Equal career best fourth place finish for Kennedy-Sim in Arosa

NSWIS Winter Olympian Sami Kennedy-Sim has equalled her best ever Ski Cross World Cup result after finishing fourth in Arosa, Switzerland on Thursday morning.

After qualifying for the finals in 14th, Kennedy-Sim won her quarterfinal and finished second in her semi to progress through to the race for the medals.

The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympian was competing in back-to-back Ski Cross World Cups in Europe. Having been unable to progress past the first round of competition at the first World Cup events in Val Thorens last week, she felt more comfortable with her performance in the third World Cup start of the season.

“I was feeling strong today and had a good training run this afternoon,” said Kennedy-Sim after her final run.

“I skied really well in each heat and I am proud to have reached my second final.

My starts were extremely strong, especially as I was in the worst lane choice in the yellow bib, but I held my own.

“The World Cup at Arosa has been awesome; having an event at night is always exciting and it draws a great crowd.”

Marielle Thompson of Canada won the gold medal, Poland’s Karolina Riemen-Zerebecka took out silver and Ophelie David of France won bronze.

Fellow NSWIS ski cross teammate Anton Grimus qualified for the final in 30th position, and managed to improve his standings to finish 24th overall.

Kennedy-Sim and Grimus’ coach Shawn Flemming said the night was full of highs and lows.

“Obviously a great day for Sami and her skiing was in great form. Hard to miss a podium but great heat skiing from her and was great to see it finally pay off.

“Heartbreaking for Anton. He had such a good start and executed perfectly. The mistake in the negative was hard to watch and obviously was the end of the race for him.”

The pair now head to Montafon in Austria for the next World Cup, kicking off tonight, Australian time. Eurosport Australia will show the event on delay at 5am ADST on Sunday.

“I can’t wait to head to Montafon tomorrow and get straight into the fourth competition of the Cross Alps Tour,” said Kennedy-Sim.

“Our Australian Ski Cross team coaches and staff, as well as my team mate Anton Grimus, have worked really well together and I am sure we will continue this for the rest of the season.”