Schwarz inspired by Kriechmayr to win gold in Cortina

Marco Schwarz won the men’s combined to give Austria its third gold medal at the skiing world championships.

Schwarz edged defending champion Alexis Pinturault by four-hundredths of a second. Loic Meillard of Switzerland was 1.12 behind in third.

Schwarz was a bronze medalist two years ago. He was four-tenths off the lead in fifth after the super-G portion before posting the fastest time in the slalom leg.

Schwarz says he was inspired by the two gold medals Austrian teammate Vincent Kriechmayr has won at this year’s skiing world championships.

Schwarz says “it’s really cool that Vince showed how to do it.”

Kriechmayr triumphed in both the downhill and super-G.

Schwarz says “it’s wonderful that it also worked out for me today.”

It’s the first time the Austrian team has won the first three men’s events at the worlds.

Canadian skier James Crawford surprisingly led after the super-G part and finished a career best fourth.

Lower-ranked skiers were still coming down the course.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more. 

World Championships – Men’s Combined – Cortina d’Ampezzo – Feb. 15, 2021