Overview
- The 31-year-old ended roughly ten months out by qualifying for the second run and finishing 27th at the Sölden giant slalom season opener.
- He recounted mixed emotions before his start, citing poor visibility and describing heart palpitations and doubts at the gate.
- Schmid said his goal was to come back as healthy as possible rather than as quickly as possible, aiming foremost for pain-free skiing.
- He revealed he had recently lost a close friend and suggested the emotional strain may have affected his physical state.
- The next scheduled giant slalom is in late November at Copper Mountain in the United States as the Olympic-season campaign continues.