Heavy snowfall in Livigno, Italy, has disrupted the schedule of events at the Milano Cortina Games, particularly affecting the men’s freeski big air final and women’s aerials qualification. Despite the challenging weather conditions, some athletes managed to shine and secure medals.
Snow Delays Olympic Events
The heavy snow has significantly impacted outdoor competitions at the Winter Olympics, leading to delays. The men’s freeski big air final was postponed and is now scheduled to start no earlier than 5:45 AM AEDT. This delay has caused frustration among competitors, including athletes from Australia.
Men’s Freeski Big Air Final Highlights
Notably, Norwegian skier Tormod Frostad showcased remarkable skill by securing gold in the men’s freeski big air final with a score of 195.50. He narrowly defeated Mac Forehand from the United States, who finished with a score of 193.25. Austria’s Matěj Švancer took home the bronze medal with a total of 191.25.
- Gold: Tormod Frostad (Norway) – 195.50
- Silver: Mac Forehand (USA) – 193.25
- Bronze: Matěj Švancer (Austria) – 191.25
Women’s Aerials Qualification Postponed
The women’s aerials qualification originally set for February 17 was also postponed due to the adverse weather conditions. Athletes including Danielle Scott, Abbey Willcox, Airleigh Frigo, and Sidney Stephens were affected, as they were left waiting for new schedules to be announced.
Italian Team Pursuit Triumph
In a stunning display of speed skating, the Italian team clinched gold in the men’s team pursuit. They finished over four seconds ahead of the heavily favored US team, with a final time of 3:39.20. This victory has added to Italy’s medal tally at the Games, making it a memorable moment for the home crowd.
Weather Conditions Impacting Safety
Experts noted that the snowfall has created unsafe conditions, particularly for aerial events where precise speed is crucial. The athletes must maintain consistent speeds while performing complex maneuvers, and off-conditions jeopardize their safety.
The postponements and delays at the Milano Cortina Games underscore the delicate balance between natural elements and competitive sport. As organizers work to adjust schedules, athletes remain focused on their performances when conditions improve.
