Thrills & Spills for GB Ski Racing Brothers at the Worlds

by admin in RSS Social News. Posted March 19, 2026

The Worlds took place in Narvik in Norway where there was delight for 19-year-old Freddy, who won a silver medal in slalom.

But older brother Luca (20) suffered the heartbreak of straddling a gate when leading by a big margin.

“We don’t think emotions get much tougher than yesterday,” said mum and coach, Emma Carrick-Anderson.

“Sport has a way of being emotional at times and today was the biggest we’ve ever felt. There were definitely tears shed by many.”

After an exceptional first run, Luca was leading by more than a second and would be the last racer out of the gate for the second and decisive run.

Freddy was in second place and his twin, Zak, was in 10th.

Zak pulled his back in the first run but managed to start run two and eventually finished 20th.

Zak Carrick-Smith at the 2026 Junior World Alpine Championships in Narvik, Norway. Image © Team Carrick-Smith

Zak. Image © FIS ActionPress

Freddy skied a solid second run and skied into the runner up position behind Giuliano Fux of Switzerland.

Freddy Carrick-Smith at the 2026 Junior World Alpine Championships in Narvik, Norway, where he won silver. Image © Team Carrick-Smith

Freddy. Image © FIS ActionPress

With his huge advantage after run one, Luca skied a very calm run two and, by the split time, had increased his lead to more than two seconds.

One slightly impatient turn about 10 gates from the end resulted in a straddle.

“Several hearts broke at that moment including ours,” Emma said.

“Winning the World Champs would have given him a start at the World Cup finals next week.

“Yesterday it didn’t happen but we know it will. Luca is right up there amongst the world’s best.”

It was the harshest end to the World Championships for Luca, who had won bronze in the same event at last year’s Championships.

Luca Carrick-Smith at the 2026 Junior World Alpine Championships in Narvik, Norway. Image © Team Carrick-Smith

Luca. Image © FIS ActionPress

Emma and the boys’ dad, Phil Smith, say they are sure he will go away stronger from the experience and success is only a question of time, as he moves out of the Juniors and into the Seniors.

The twins, meanwhile, have another two years left to make their mark in the Junior ranks.

Freddy’s silver medal was his best ever result.

He finished behind gold medallist Fux and ahead of Maximilien Hoder of the USA, who took the bronze medal.

Men's slalom podium at the 2026 Junior World Championships in Narvik, Norway, with GB's Freddy Carrick-Smith (left) in 2nd. Image c/o Team Carrick-Smith

Men’s slalom podium with Freddy on the left. Image © FIS ActionPress

Although Zak was down in 20th in the slalom following his injury, he was an impressive 7th in the giant slalom.

And he was thrilled to see his twin walk away with a medal.

Zak Carrick-Smith congratulates twin Freddy on his silver medal at the Junior World Alpine Championships 2026 in Narvik, Norway. Image © Team Carrick-Smith

Zak (bib 9) congratulates Freddy on his silver medal. Image © FIS ActionPress

The boys were taking a few days after the Junior Worlds before Freddy competes in the giant slalom at the Europa Cup finals in Austria next Tuesday.

Then, they’ll be heading to the British National Championships in Santa Caterina, Italy.

The Carrick-Smiths are completely self-funded.

They are reliant on sponsorship and donations from well-wishers to keep the dream going.

Their parents work full-time coaching and supporting their sons, who have all competed at both Europa and World Cups this season.

PlanetSKI recently reported on the challenges they face to get to the start gate.

A Big Year for GB Ski Racing Brothers

You can support the Carrick-Smiths by donating to their GoFundMe page.

The Carrick-Smiths. Image c/o Team Carrick-Smith

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