The world of competitive winter sports continues to thrill audiences as Swiss athlete Mathilde Gremaud successfully defended her Olympic title in the slopestyle freeskiing event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. In a display of remarkable skill and resilience, Gremaud surpassed her competitor Eileen Gu from China, demonstrating the ever-evolving landscape of female sports talent on the Olympic stage.
Switzerland’s Mathilde Gremaud has retained her Olympic title in the slopestyle freestyle skiing competition at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games in a gripping race held in the picturesque Italian Alpine town of Livigno. With a combination of high-level technical prowess and an unwavering mental fortitude, Gremaud succeeded in creating a memorable moment in Olympic history.
China’s Eileen Gu, who aimed to convert her silver medal from the Beijing 2022 Games into gold this time around, finished in second place after a slip during her last run left her hopes unfulfilled. Despite narrowly missing the top spot, Gu’s presence in the finals serves as an inspiring testament to her tenacity and talent.
Canada’s Megan Oldham also delivered a commendable performance, claiming the bronze despite experiencing a significant crash on her second run. The competition, characterized by its high intensity and competitive spirit, saw Gremaud achieving a personal milestone—performing a trick known as the nose butter double cork 1260 for the first time by a woman. This technical maneuver involves pressing the tips of the skis to initiate a spin, executing two off-axis flips, and completing three and a half horizontal rotations—a feat that truly showcased her skill.
On an energizing day filled with potential, Gremaud made an impressive start, setting the pace with her spectacular initial run. Her exceptional display, which earned her an impressive score of 86.96, surpassed Gu’s first-run score of 86.58. Oldham managed to rebound from her earlier crash, finishing strong in her third run and ultimately scoring 76.46.
The enthusiasm of the cheering crowd and the waving flags of the respective nations—Switzerland, China, and Canada—filled the venue as the medals were awarded. The ceremony, graced by Britain’s Princess Anne, celebrated the athletes’ achievements. The event was not only a contest of skill but a celebration of resilience and the remarkable journeys of these inspiring competitors, setting the stage for the remaining events in the Games where Gu will strive to defend her titles in big air and halfpipe.
As winter sports continue to evolve, the stories of athletes like Gremaud and Gu exemplify a new generation pushing the boundaries of what is possible, inspiring many to follow in their tracks amid the snow-capped mountains of Italy.
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