Canadian brother-sister duo wins ski cross World Cup races on same day

As of one week ago, neither Hannah nor Jared Schmidt had ever won gold on the ski cross World Cup circuit.

But that all changed on Tuesday in Arosa, Switzerland, where the Ottawa siblings each captured the top spot in their respective races.

Hannah Schmidt, 29, earned her victory by escaping a wild final race contested in the rain. The three other competitors — Canada's Marielle Thompson, France's Marielle Berger Sabbatel and Austria's Christina Foedermayr — all collided on one of the first turns of the course, taking each other out in the process.

That cleared the path for Schmidt to cruise to her first-ever gold medal, and her second podium appearance on the World Cup stage. She previously earned a silver last season at Val Thorens, France.

WATCH | Hannah Schmidt emerges victorious in wild women's final:

Ottawa's Hannah Schmidt wins 1st career World Cup ski cross race, Marielle Thompson 2nd

12 months ago

Duration 1:56

Hannah Schmidt joined her brother Jared claiming top spot at the World Cup ski cross races in Arosa, Switzerland Tuesday.

"I would say a little bit of luck was involved, but it feels amazing. … I'm super happy with today," Schmidt said after the race.

The remaining skiers were all awarded a tie for second, marking Whistler, B.C., native Thompson's 60th career podium appearance.

WATCH | Hannah Schmidt discusses 1st-ever win:

Hannah Schmidt of Ottawa comments on 1st career World Cup ski cross win

12 months ago

Duration 0:22

Hannah Schmidt speaks about a wild big final at World Cup ski cross race in Arosa, Switzerland.

Jared Schmidt's path to the top of the podium was decidedly less cluttered.

The 26-year-old, who just won his first race on Friday, oddly also in Val Thorens, edged Canadian teammate and reigning Crystal Globe winner Reece Howden at the finish line to take top spot. 

WATCH | Jared Schmidt takes gold in Arosa:

Ottawa's Jared Schmidt records 2nd consecutive World Cup ski cross win, Reece Howden 2nd

12 months ago

Duration 1:55

Jared Schmidt of Ottawa joined his sister Hannah on top of the podium after the pair claimed World Cup ski cross wins Tuesday in Arosa, Switzerland.

Sweden's Erik Mobaerg grabbed bronze.

"I heard that Hannah won when I was in the start and it gave me a little extra boost," Schmidt told Alpine Canada. "I carried a lot of confidence from last week, and I had some good starts today that really helped. It's a great feeling and to see my sister there is pretty special."

The ski cross season continues next Thursday with men's and women's races in Innichen, Italy. Live streaming begins on CBCSports.ca, the CBC Sports app and CBC Gem at 5:45 a.m. ET.

WATCH | Jared Schmidt speaks after his win:

Jared Schmidt of Ottawa comments on winning 2nd straight World Cup ski cross race

12 months ago

Duration 0:44

Jared Schmidt speaks of Schmidt family each winning World Cup ski cross races at Arosa, Switzerland.