Industry News
It was a Team Great Britain and family sweep in the men’s slalom category at the Alpine Skiing National Championships in Coronet Peak, New Zealand on Sept. 2. The three Carrick-Smith brothers, Luca, Zak, and Freddy, all stood on the podium in a rare moment in sports, each showing off their National Championship medals at one of the first races of the 2026-27 Alpine skiing season.
“Three brothers. One podium,” the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) wrote in an Instagram post. “Not something you see every day.”
Luca Carrick-Smith claimed first place, with a time of one minute, 23.32 seconds. He was followed closely by Zak, who finished in 1:24.63, and Freddy, who finished in 1:25.12.
While the three brothers may have entered the race as competitors, they finished the day celebrating side by side with medals around their necks. The result marked the first time all three brothers have shared the podium. Despite the competitive nature among them, they all celebrated together in a memorable moment for the Carrick-Smith family, Team Great Britain, and alpine ski racing as a whole.
“Sometimes things go your way and today was one of those days,” the Carrick-Smith family wrote in a Facebook post. “This is a first for us with all three guys on the podium. A truly historic moment for the brothers who are rivals, supporters, and most importantly, brothers.”
Luca (20), Zak (19), and Freddy (19) are all established junior and senior racers on the FIS circuit. Luca and Freddy have both competed in World Cup races, while Zak is a two-time 2024 Youth Olympic champion. The brothers are widely considered rising stars for Team Great Britain, having each found success despite their young ages. Inspired by British great Dave Ryding, the brothers began skiing at a young age and never looked back.
For the Carrick-Smith family, the sweep means more than just medals. It comes as a result of years of long training hours, tough results, and pushing each other to the limits.
“There is such an incredible amount that goes into every day from each athlete, every coach, service person and physio,” the family wrote.
At the end of the day, it was the mindset that mattered the most. The brothers found that success comes when you show up, no matter how hard it gets.
“Not every day goes your way, but you turn up and give 100% every day,” the family added. “Ski racing is tough, and the ever-changing conditions make it a real challenge, but we need to learn to ski everything, and it is a never-ending search for the right setup, the right line, technique, and mindset.”
The New Zealand National Championships, running from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 at Coronet Peak, were an early opportunity for racers to build momentum heading into the 2026-27 season. Unlike many national championships that are restricted to athletes from the host country, New Zealand’s competition is open to athletes from any nation.
The Carrick-Smith brothers’ results set them on a positive course heading into the North American and European Alpine skiing season. With the New Zealand National Championships now in the rearview mirror, the brothers will look to carry the momentum into their up-and-coming races.
