MILAN, 08 February 2026 – Czech Republic’s dual-sport sensation Ester Ledecká has once again captured the world’s attention at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. As the Games enter their second day of competition, the three-time Olympic champion is officially on the hunt for a historic “triple-double,” aiming to defend her titles across two entirely different disciplines: alpine skiing and snowboarding.
Chasing History in Milano Cortina
Ledecká, now 30, arrived in Italy following a strategic preparation period. Just six days ago, she finished 10th in a World Cup Super-G event in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, which served as her final competitive tune-up on skis. Despite the heavy physical toll of competing in two sports, Ledecká has confirmed she will focus on the Parallel Giant Slalom (PGS) in snowboarding and the Super-G in alpine skiing.
The stakes are particularly high in the snowboard park at Livigno. Ledecká is currently aiming to become the first snowboarder in history to “three-peat”—winning three consecutive gold medals in the same event (Parallel Giant Slalom) across three different Winter Games (2018, 2022, and 2026). Reports from today, 08 February, indicate she has already shown dominant form in the preliminary rounds, recently defeating Michelle Dekker of the Netherlands in a high-stakes final preview.
The Dual-Sport Legacy
Ledecká’s career is defined by her unprecedented ability to excel at the highest level of two distinct winter sports. She first made global headlines at the Pyeongchang 2018 Games, where she became the first woman to win gold medals in two different sports at a single Winter Olympics. Since then, she has amassed a staggering 26 World Cup wins and 45 podium finishes across both disciplines.
Ester Ledecká: Career Profile and Statistics
The following data highlights the career achievements and personal details of the Czech superstar as of the 2026 Winter Games.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ester Ledecká |
| Date of Birth | 23 March 1995 |
| Nationality | Czech Republic |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 3 (Super-G 2018, Snowboard PGS 2018, Snowboard PGS 2022) |
| World Cup Wins | 26 (Combined Skiing and Snowboarding) |
| Current Coach | Justin Reiter |
| Primary Disciplines | Alpine Skiing (Super-G, Downhill), Snowboarding (Parallel Giant Slalom) |
Recent Form and 2026 Outlook
While Ledecká is the defending champion in the snowboard PGS, her path in alpine skiing has faced logistical hurdles. Due to scheduling conflicts between the snowboard events in Livigno and the alpine skiing events in Cortina d’Ampezzo, she has opted out of the Downhill race to focus entirely on the Super-G and her snowboard title defence.
Public sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with fans and analysts marvelling at her longevity. After a challenging 2024-25 season where she made history by becoming the first athlete to win two FIS World Championship medals in two different sports in the same season, she enters these Olympics as the Czech Republic’s premier medal hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Olympic gold medals does Ester Ledecká have?
As of the start of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, Ester Ledecká has three Olympic gold medals: two in snowboarding (Parallel Giant Slalom) and one in alpine skiing (Super-G).
Is Ester Ledecká competing in both skiing and snowboarding in 2026?
Yes. She is scheduled to compete in the Parallel Giant Slalom in snowboarding and the Super-G in alpine skiing. However, she has withdrawn from the Downhill skiing event due to scheduling conflicts.
Who is Ester Ledecká’s coach?
She is currently coached by Justin Reiter, a former professional snowboarder who has been instrumental in her continued dominance in the Parallel Giant Slalom events.
What record is she trying to break at the 2026 Olympics?
Ledecká is attempting to become the first athlete to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom, while also extending her record as the only person to win gold in two different sports at multiple Winter Games.