Schmidt siblings make Ski Cross World Cup history in Arosa

Canada’s Hannah and Jared Schmidt became the first siblings to win FIS Ski Cross World Cup races on the same day as they won their respective events at Arosa on Tuesday night.

It was a maiden World Cup win for 29-year-old Hannah Schmidt, who cruised to victory unchallenged in the women's big final after the three other finalists were involved in a big collision early in the race.

"It feels pretty amazing," the Canadian said. "I would say a little bit of luck was involved but it feels amazing.

"And with my brother. It's a pretty special moment for sure."

Asked whether fast starts were the key to her success, Schmidt said: "One hundred per cent. It's a sprint - it's quick and I'm finally dialling in my starts and getting them a bit more aggressive."

Fellow big finalists Marielle Thompson, Christina Foedermayr and Marielle Berger Sabbatel had crossed the finish line in that order following a lengthy delay after their crash, but FIS rules dictate that athletes crashing out of the race are all awarded the same position, so second place was shared by the trio. It was a first ever World Cup podium for young Austrian star Foedermayr, who was taking part in a big final for the first time.

"It was amazing, the feeling was pretty nice," Foedermayr said. "I had a good quarter-final, I had a good semi-final and I felt good at the big final. Unfortunately I crashed, but it's a good sign for the upcoming years."

Thompson, who initially thought she had secured second spot on her own, said after the race: "I just learned a new rule today. I guess I need to be out in front next time! It was very special to share Hannah's first win and Chrissy's first podium as well. It was a great night under the lights."

The big final was without two of the sports big names after Sandra Naeslund took part in the small final having come third in her semi-final, while hometown favourite Fanny Smith did not make it past the quarter-final stage. It marks a shaky start to the season for Naeslund, who finished outside the podium places in Val Thorens' second race last week to bring to an end a streak of 19 consecutive World Cup wins. Tuesday’s race was also the first time the Swede has failed to make the big final at a World Cup since February 2020.

However, Naeslund won the small final and now sits second in the overall World Cup standings behind leader Berger Sabbatel, while Schmidt has moved up to third in the standings.

‘Pretty sweet for the Schmidts’

Jared Schmidt says he was able to watch his sister win her race while was waiting to take part in the men's big final.

"I saw in the start, so it kind of gave me a little extra energy," the younger Schmidt said.

The 26-year-old won a thrilling men’s big final as he crossed the finish line ahead of compatriot Reece Howden in second place, while Erik Mobaerg and Tobias Mueller finished third and fourth respectively. It was a second World Cup win for Schmidt, who claimed his maiden World Cup victory by winning the second event in Val Thorens last week.

"It's awesome," he said. "I carried a lot of confidence out of Val Thorens with the win there. That was a crazy day.

"I showed up here a few days later and had really good starts right off the hop. I'm feeling really good."

On the significance of the result, Schmidt said: "Pretty sweet for the Schmidts to go one-two here in Arosa. What a night, what a race. This is awesome - it's a dream."

It was a first podium place of the season for last season’s men’s Crystal Globe winner Howden, who missed out on qualifying for the first race in Val Thorens before finishing sixth overall on day two in France.

“This was kind of my second race of the season there, with the mishap that happened in Val Thorens,” Howden said. “I had a pretty good race in Val Thorens on the second day, but I’m still kind of getting my bearings.

“I’m pretty happy with the racing today. I had a little bit of a tough start there in training and on my first run but I cleaned it up and carried myself really well to the big final.

“It’s coming, it’s there. A few things I need to clean up and just get back on the horse.

“It’s cool to see Jared in flow state. I’ve been there before and I know how he’s feeling.”

Third-place Mobaerg said: “I had some luck in the first final, I did a pretty bad start and then after that the runs just got better and better for me. I’m really glad and stoked to be on the podium today.”

Schmidt leads the overall men’s World Cup standings after three events, with Austria’s Tristan Takats in second and Howden in third.

Next up for the athletes is Innichen, where the men’s and women’s qualifying starts on 19 December in what will be the final World Cup event of 2023.