Freddy Carrick-Smith WJSC GS / GEPA pictures
Britain’s Freddy Carrick-Smith, 18, Prepares for Sunday’s Historic World Cup Debut
The 2025-26 World Cup season opens this weekend in Sölden, Austria. For the first time in 11 men’s World Cup giant slaloms, a Briton will start — Freddy Carrick-Smith.
A Dream Coming True
This is a moment Team Carrick-Smith has dreamed of since the brothers were eight or nine years old — a journey that has always been a family affair.
The three brothers — Luca (20) and twins Freddy and Zak (18) — are all coached by their parents. Their mother, Emma Carrick-Anderson, competed in four Olympic Games, while their father, Phil Smith, has spent decades coaching and instructing in France.
For several years, the brothers represented France but switched to Great Britain before beginning FIS-level competition at 16, a move that aligned with their long-term goal of racing for their home nation.
Unlike many World Cup racers, Freddy’s journey so far has been powered by his family, sponsors, and supporters — entirely self-funded, with no current backing from GB Snowsport — making his debut even more remarkable.
Career Highlights So Far
Until now, Freddy’s exposure on the international circuit has been limited by his age. However, he already claimed the U18 titles in both slalom and giant slalom at the World Junior Championships in Tarvisio last March. He finished seventh in slalom — just behind older brother Luca, who won bronze — and sixth in GS, an impressive result against older competition.
What He Had to Say
Freddy might be the most relaxed man at the Sölden start gate, even though Sunday marks one of the biggest days of his young career.
“I’m not nervous,” he said confidently. “I always knew we’d make it to the top.”
He added that he fully expected to earn a World Cup start this season. “Based off last season’s results, I knew it was possible that I would start Sölden.”
A Different Mindset
Confident but grounded, Freddy approaches his debut with refreshing self-belief. His calm attitude could also be a mental strategy to reduce pressure once race day arrives.
When asked about his target for Sunday, he laughed and said, “First.” His brothers share the confidence, believing he can “100% ski into the top 30.” They added, “If it doesn’t happen in Sölden, it will later in the season.”
British History
On Sunday, Carrick-Smith will become only the third British skier to start a World Cup giant slalom at age 18 or younger — and the first in more than 44 years. The last two were Konrad Bartelski in 1971 and Martin Bell in 1981, both just 16 at their debuts.
Time in Sölden
Freddy has spent the past week training on the Rettenbach glacier, gaining valuable experience on the exact slope where the race will take place. He also trained alongside Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen, last season’s World Cup slalom champion.
“I know quite a lot of these guys now,” he said. “We’ve trained with them, and it’s just another race.”
The Season Ahead
Looking forward, Carrick-Smith plans to enjoy every moment.
“It’s the first World Cup, so I’m going to enjoy it and push it as much as I can,” he said. “I want to get in that top 30, and I know that if I finish with a good run, it can happen.”
When asked whether he could score World Cup points this season, he didn’t hesitate. “Well, that’s the goal,” he said, referencing Charlie Raposo — the last Brit to score World Cup GS points.
Final Thoughts
The return of a British racer to a World Cup giant slalom is an exciting milestone for ski racing in Great Britain. But what makes it truly special is that the athlete leading the charge is an 18-year-old, representing a new generation of British talent ready to challenge the world’s best.
Fans in Great Britain can watch Saturday’s and Sunday’s World Cup giant slaloms live on Discovery+, with the first run starting at 9:00 a.m. and the second run at 12:00 p.m. British time.
About the Author: Matt Garcka
