Fanny Smith, a Swiss Olympic skier, experienced a year-long wait for her bronze medal following a contentious decision during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Initially, Smith finished third in the women's ski cross final; however, she lost her podium position due to a ruling that resulted from a collision with German skier Daniela Maier. The decision, which placed Smith in fourth, ignited her frustration, as she vocally challenged the official's call during a live broadcast, demanding to know who had made the judgment.

The controversy surrounding Smith's race became a focal point for discussions about athlete rights and fair judgment in competitive sports. Her insistence on appealing the ruling led to an eventual review of the incident where footage clearly demonstrated that she was not to blame for the collision. This clarity prompted the Olympic committee to reassess Smith's position in the race and ultimately reinstated her to the podium. The outrage over the decision highlighted the pressures athletes face and the impact of split-second calls made by judges.

A year after the dramatic events of the race, Smith's persistence paid off as she officially received her bronze medal, a symbol not only of her athletic prowess but also of her resilience in the face of injustice. This experience has potentially set a precedent for how such disputes are handled in future Olympic events, emphasizing the importance of accurate replays and athlete advocacy within the sport. Smith's journey from disappointment to vindication illustrates the broader challenges faced by athletes in high-stakes competitions.