Fanny Smith’s Pursuit of Olympic Gold: A Legacy Forged in Controversy and Resilience
Swiss skicross champion Fanny Smith enters the Milan Cortina Games with a complex mix of determination and distrust, fueled by a contentious medal decision at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Despite her impressive record – including two Olympic bronze medals from 2018 and 2022, a world championship title in 2013, and four World Cup Crystal Ball titles – Smith’s faith in the International Ski Federation (ISF) remains shaken.
The Beijing Dispute: A Bronze Tarnished, Then Restored
At the 2022 Beijing Games, Smith initially finished third in the women’s skicross final, believing she had secured her second Olympic bronze. However, a video review led officials to demote her to fourth place, awarding the bronze to Germany’s Daniela Maier, citing interference. Smith vehemently protested, but her appeal was initially unsuccessful.
In a rare move, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) later overruled the officials’ decision, awarding both Smith and Maier bronze medals. More than a year after the race, Smith was able to celebrate with her family in Lausanne. Despite the eventual resolution, the experience left a lasting impact.
Lost Trust and a Final Olympic Push
“For me what was really, really hard, and I’m still in the process of accepting, is that I have completely lost trust of the International Ski Federation,” Smith stated in a recent interview with the Associated Press. “I don’t have trust anymore in them because for me that was a mistake. And the CAS (decision) showed it.”
Now 33, Smith acknowledges that the Milan Cortina Games may represent her last chance for Olympic gold. Despite her lingering distrust, she remains confident in her abilities and is focused on delivering a strong performance in Livigno.
Skicross: A Thrilling, Evolving Sport
Smith’s journey in skicross began at age 12, quickly captivating her with its dynamic nature. She describes downhill skiing as “boring” in comparison. Skicross, with its combination of banks, rollers, and jumps, demands both speed and strategic maneuvering.
The sport has evolved since its Olympic debut in 2010, with courses becoming designed to reduce the risk of serious injury following tragic accidents in 2012 and 2014. However, Smith notes a recent trend towards more aggressive racing and increased contact between competitors.
“Before, if you were doing a pass somewhere stupid, you would injure yourself and you will injure others, or maybe you will kill yourself,” Smith explained. “Now it is kind of you could almost pass everywhere. So everyone tries to, and there is more contact.”
The Appeal of Skicross: Head-to-Head Racing
Even as often overshadowed by downhill skiing and freestyle events, Smith believes skicross offers a uniquely engaging spectacle. “You don’t have to be a professional to know what’s happening,” she said. “In Alpine, you would not understand why he is first and why this one is second. But with us, it’s like Formula One, we are four racers against each other on the same course. There is always action.”
Fanny Smith: Olympic Profile
- Born: May 20, 1992 (age 33)
- Representing: Switzerland
- Olympic Games: 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
- World Championships: Gold (2013)
- World Cup Victories: 29
- World Cup Podiums: 67
FAQ
Q: What is skicross?
A: Skicross is a winter sport involving four skiers racing simultaneously down a course featuring jumps, rollers, and banked turns.
Q: Has Fanny Smith ever won an Olympic gold medal?
A: No, Fanny Smith has won two bronze medals at the Olympic Winter Games (2018 and 2022).
Q: What happened with the medal decision in Beijing?
A: Smith was initially demoted from third to fourth place, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport later awarded her a joint bronze medal with Daniela Maier.
Q: Where will the women’s skicross event be held at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games?
A: The event will be held in Livigno, Italy.
Did you know? Fanny Smith served as Switzerland’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Games.
Explore more about the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and follow Fanny Smith’s journey for gold!
