Despite the Olympics ending more than a week ago, it was announced on February 6th that Fanny Smith won bronze in the women’s ski cross that took place nine days prior. The Swiss’s bronze comes after a challenge to the decision that Smith hindered German Daniela Maier’s run, resulting in an upgrade to third for the German and a downgrade to fourth for Smith.
That decision, made by an FIS race jury, was overturned by the Federation of International Skiing, stating that the close contact between the two athletes was completely unavoidable and unintentional. Instead of a demotion, Smith should have been issued a warning. Following this decision, Smith stands in third with a bronze, and Maier stands in fourth.
I’m glad Smith has been given the bronze she rightfully earned, but I sure do feel bad for Daniela Maier. The race happened nine days before this decision. That’s nine days of celebrating a bronze medal, feeling like you’re on top of the world, sharing the glory with family and friends. Now she has to face the fact that she did not, in fact, win what she had likely been celebrating. If only they could share the bronze…
Image Credit: Fanny Smith on Instagram