Swiss skier Loic Meillard showcased impressive skill by winning the men’s slalom at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. This remarkable victory concluded the men’s Alpine events, adding to his earlier achievements in the tournament.
Meillard’s Triumph
Loic Meillard finished with a combined time of 1 minute and 53.61 seconds. He triumphed over Austria’s Fabio Gstrein, who finished just 0.35 seconds behind him, securing the silver medal. Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen rounded out the podium with a bronze finish.
Challenging Conditions
The slalom event took place under challenging weather conditions. Morning races were overshadowed by snow and fog, transitioning to sunny weather by the afternoon. Such fluctuations added complexity to the competition, impacting many skiers’ performances.
- Meillard’s previous medals included:
- Gold in the team combined
- Bronze in the giant slalom
Notable Competitor Struggles
Brazilian skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who made history by winning a giant slalom medal, faced disappointment in the slalom. He fell during the first run, effectively ending his chance for additional Olympic glory.
Atle Lie McGrath from Norway, the first-run leader, also faced a setback. He failed to finish after straddling a gate. The emotional weight of competing came from the recent loss of his grandfather, for whom he wore a tribute armband.
Alpine Skiing Medal Standings
Switzerland dominated the men’s Alpine skiing medal table, accumulating a total of eight medals:
- Four Gold
- Two Silver
- Two Bronze
Austria and Italy each won two medals, while Brazil, the United States, and Norway claimed one each.
Unique Participants
The competition saw 96 racers, including representatives from nontraditional skiing countries. Among them were:
- Henri Rivers IV from Jamaica
- Faiz Basha from Singapore
- Lasse Gaxiola from Mexico
Gaxiola’s mother, Sarah Schleper, previously competed in the super-G and giant slalom, highlighting the rich stories behind the athletes.
A Farewell Performance
The event also featured a ceremonial farewell from AJ Ginnis of Greece. After battling recovery from ankle surgery, Ginnis expressed gratitude for the opportunities that ski racing provided over the years. His heartfelt remarks celebrated the community and friendships forged through the sport.
Ultimately, Meillard’s victory marked a significant milestone at the Milano Cortina Games, as the Alpine events concluded with notable performances and poignant stories from a diverse group of athletes.
