The U.S. duo claimed the silver medal in the first medal event at the FISU Winter World University Games. They finished the final heat in 20 minutes, 51.87 seconds.

“(The weather) was definitely a big component today,” Sweet said. “But we really nailed the skis for the final.”

Anderson and Sweet trailed only Japan’s duo of Ryo Hirose and Rin Sobue, which completed the 6×1.35K sprint course in 20:42.85 to win gold.

The Norwegian team of Andreas Kirkeng and Karianne Olsvik Dengerud claimed the bronze medal in 20:55.61.

Team USA’s Will Koch competes in Friday’s mixed team sprint race at Mount Van Hoevenberg. (Enterprise photo — Parker O’Brien)

Both Anderson and Sweet said they were surprised by their result.

“We came in with kind of a lower seed just based off FIS points,” Sweet said. “We kind of looked at it like it’s going to be fun and let’s just go out and do our best. We know what to do.”

The first cross-country race started early in the morning and before heavy snow started to fall around 8:30 a.m.

“We were prepared for the worst,” Anderson said. “It was pouring rain and it was dark out. I think our mindsets were in the right place for toughness and when it changed to snow it just got fun and exciting. Just some optimism going into the rest of the week.”

The event started with a semifinal race in which Finn and Sweet did just enough to qualify for a spot in the final race. In the second semifinal, the U.S. duo of Kendall Kramer and Will Koch finished a little under two seconds shy of a qualifying spot.

Cross-country skiers compete in Friday’s mixed team sprint race at Mount Van Hoevenberg. (Enterprise photo — Parker O’Brien)

Cross-country skiing will continue Sunday at Mount Van Hoevenberg with the men’s and women’s sprints. The event will start at 9 a.m.