Fanny Smith, a prominent figure in ski cross, has voiced sharp criticisms regarding the Olympic ski cross decisions in Livigno. With her experience spanning five Olympic Games, Smith expresses considerable disappointment over the current atmosphere and logistics of the event.
Fanny Smith’s Critique of the Olympic Atmosphere
During her time in Italy, she has noticed a stark absence of the Olympic spirit. Smith states, “Unfortunately, I don’t feel any Olympic essence here in Livigno.” This sentiment echoes among her teammates, particularly Alex Fiva, who also shared his frustrations about the overall experience.
Issues with Venue and Organization
One of Smith’s primary grievances is the lack of promised infrastructure. She expected a dedicated viewing area that never materialized, which she finds disappointing. Moreover, the absence of a medal ceremony during the evening was a significant letdown for her. Smith recalls the emotional moment of receiving her bronze medal in Pyeongchang in 2018, highlighting how special these ceremonies are for athletes.
- Promised Infrastructure: Missing designated viewing areas.
- Lack of Ceremonies: No evening medal award ceremonies.
- Event Atmosphere: Criticism of the lack of Olympic spirit.
Concerns Over the Ski Course
Smith also expressed dissatisfaction with the ski cross course itself. She described it as lacking challenges, saying, “It’s sad that such a simple course has been built for the Olympics.” While some adjustments were made following testing earlier in the year, the course still contains several easy sections that do not cater to technically skilled athletes like herself.
Mixed Reviews from Competitors
The reactions to the course were notably different between genders. While Smith and her teammate, Saskja Lack, find several areas too simple, male competitors like Ryan Regez enjoy the track. Regez stated, “It’s really fun to ride.” However, all competitors agree on one point: the snow conditions are demanding. Fiva noted, “The snow is very slow, making it brutally exhausting. You need to work hard from top to bottom.”
The situation is unlikely to improve before the women’s race scheduled for Friday, and the men’s race to follow on Saturday. As athletes prepare, the lack of fulfilling experiences continues to overshadow this year’s Olympic festivities.
