Kennedy-Sim claims bronze medal in Arosa Ski Cross World Cup
Published Wed 16 Dec 2020
Courtesy www.owia.org
Australian ski cross athlete Sami Kennedy-Sim has started the season strongly, with a bronze medal performance in the opening FIS World Cup event in Arosa, Switzerland.
The podium result is the second of the two-time Olympian’s career, and her first since a silver medal in February 2017.
The 32-year-old athlete had a great qualifying run, advancing to the final in first place for the first time in her career.
In night-time finals action on the sprint course, Kennedy-Sim won her heats in the round of 32 and 16 and finished in second place in the semi-final to advance to the big final medal round.
In the big final, Kennedy-Sim was third across the line behind event winner Alexandra Edebo of Sweden and Fanny Smith of Switzerland in second place.
“Racing under lights is always a blast and creates a great show and atmosphere” said Kennedy-Sim after the race.
“The sprint track means that the racing is super tight no matter if you qualify first or 32nd,
“This means that any mistake you make will end your day. This race is all about keeping speed.
“Our team has been working so hard to produce the skiing that I have done yesterday in qualifying and today, the perfect recipe is the open relationship between myself, my coach Shawn, my psych Stacy and my ski tech Latus.
“Hopefully I have a good night sleep tonight as we race under lights again tomorrow.”
In the Men's event, Doug Crawford produced his best World Cup results finishing in 25th place after winning his round-of-64 heat and crashing out in the 1/8-Final round.
The second World Cup event takes place tomorrow morning Australian time in Arosa, before the athletes head to Val Thorens in France for another double World Cup this weekend.