Loïc Meillard has won Olympic gold in the men's slalom at Cortina 2026, claiming Switzerland's first Olympic slalom title in 72 years after Norway's Atle Lie McGrath made a crucial mistake in his second run.
The 28-year-old Swiss skier delivered a solid performance in both runs, but it was McGrath's dramatic error that ultimately handed Meillard the top spot on the podium. The Norwegian, who had been in contention for gold, skied out during his final run, opening the door for Meillard to secure Switzerland's long-awaited victory in the discipline.
Meillard's triumph marks a historic moment for Swiss alpine skiing. The last Swiss Olympic champion in men's slalom was Zeno Colò in 1952, making this gold medal particularly significant for the Swiss team. The victory adds to Meillard's growing reputation as one of the most consistent technical skiers on the World Cup circuit.
Controversial Celebrations Spark Debate
While Meillard's gold medal was celebrated across Switzerland, the reaction of his coach Thierry Meynet drew mixed responses. The Swiss trainer's exuberant celebrations following McGrath's mistake did not sit well with everyone in the skiing community. Some observers felt the jubilation was inappropriate given the circumstances of how the gold was won.
Meynet made no attempt to hide his emotions as McGrath skied out, celebrating openly as it became clear his athlete would claim the Olympic title. The coach's uninhibited response highlighted the fine margins and high stakes of Olympic competition, where one skier's misfortune can instantly become another's glory.
McGrath's Costly Error Changes Everything
For McGrath, the mistake was a devastating blow in what had been a promising Olympic campaign. The Norwegian had positioned himself well after the first run and appeared capable of challenging for a medal. His exit from the course in the second run not only cost him a potential podium finish but also handed the gold to his competitor.
The incident underscores the unforgiving nature of alpine skiing at the highest level, where a single gate can determine Olympic glory or heartbreak. Meillard's ability to maintain consistency across both runs proved decisive, even as the final outcome hinged on his rival's error.
The gold medal represents a career-defining achievement for Meillard, who has long been considered one of the sport's elite technical specialists but had yet to capture Olympic gold. His victory in Cortina will be remembered as much for how it was won as for ending Switzerland's seven-decade wait for slalom gold.
