Loïc Meillard has completed his Milano Cortina 2026 medal collection with Olympic slalom gold, ending Switzerland's 78-year wait for victory in the discipline.
The 28-year-old Swiss skier delivered a commanding performance in the men's slalom at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, securing the one medal that had eluded him at these Games. With gold, silver, and bronze now in his possession, Meillard has achieved a rare feat at a single Olympic Winter Games.
The victory carries particular historical significance for Swiss Alpine Skiing. This marks Switzerland's first Olympic gold medal in men's slalom since 1948, when the event made its debut at the St. Moritz Games. For nearly eight decades, Swiss skiers had come close but never reached the top step of the podium in this technical discipline.
Meillard's Complete Milano Cortina Collection
Meillard's gold medal performance completes an extraordinary Olympic campaign in Italy. The Swiss athlete had already claimed medals in other alpine events at these Games, making him one of the standout performers of Milano Cortina 2026. His ability to compete at the highest level across multiple disciplines showcases the versatility that has defined his career.
The slalom specialist has long been considered one of the most consistent technical skiers on the World Cup circuit. His Olympic gold validates years of dedication to perfecting the precise, aggressive skiing required to excel in slalom racing.
Breaking Switzerland's 78-Year Drought
Switzerland has produced numerous Alpine Skiing champions over the decades, but the men's slalom gold had remained frustratingly out of reach. The 1948 victory came at a time when the sport was still in its infancy at the Olympic level, and the drought that followed became one of the longest in Swiss winter sports history.
Meillard's triumph not only ends this wait but also reinforces Switzerland's status as a powerhouse in Alpine Skiing. The nation continues to develop world-class skiers across all disciplines, and this historic gold medal adds another chapter to that proud tradition.
