The men’s slalom event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Bormio concluded dramatically, with ski superstar Atle Lie McGrath missing out on gold. McGrath, who had an impressive first run, faced a shocking elimination in the second run.
McGrath’s Stellar Start
Atle Lie McGrath posted the fastest time in the first round, clocking in at 56.14 seconds. His early start at number one provided an advantage in challenging weather conditions, with heavy snowfall and limited visibility. Despite these obstacles, he executed flawlessly, setting a time that no one was able to surpass.
Shock Elimination in the Second Run
Tragedy struck for McGrath as the last competitor in the slalom. Just moments into his second run, he skied out, ending his quest for the gold medal. The unexpected exit left him visibly shaken and frustrated.
Emotional Fallout
Post-competition, McGrath expressed his anger dramatically. He discarded his ski poles and gear before walking away from the course. The outburst culminated in him collapsing into the snow, overwhelmed by emotions. This moment was particularly poignant as he was still grappling with personal loss; his grandfather had passed away just a week prior to the event.
Medal Allocations
With McGrath out of contention, the gold medal was awarded to Loïc Meillard from Switzerland. Silver went to Austria’s Fabio Gstrein, while Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen took home the bronze. The event was notable for its high rate of dropouts, with only 44 of the 96 starters completing the first run.
Notable Dropouts
- Manuel Feller (Austria)
- Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (Norway)
- Clément Noël (France)
German skier Linus Straßer faced disappointment as well, finishing in ninth place and criticizing the course conditions.
The dramatic turn of events at the slalom has left a lasting impression on fans and competitors alike, showcasing the high stakes and emotional rollercoaster of Olympic-level competition.
