Though Austria was then a part of Austria-Hungary, most sources separate Austrian competitors from the Hungarians at the 1896 Games.

All three of Schmal's medals were won in the cycling competitions, even though he competed in two different sports.

In the time trial event, Schmal tied for second place Stamatios Nikolopoulos.

Schmal also competed in the sabre fencing tournament, placing fourth in the five-man round robin.

One of the two competed in each of the three open events, and each swimmer won one medal.