BORMIO, 17 February 2026 – Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard has etched his name into the history books, capturing the gold medal in the men’s slalom at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. In a dramatic and chaotic competition held yesterday, 16 February, Meillard overcame treacherous blizzard conditions to end a 78-year drought for Swiss men in this specific discipline.
Meillard Masters the Storm
The event, held on the challenging slopes of Bormio, was defined by heavy snowfall and low visibility that saw many of the world’s top technical skiers fail to finish. Meillard, who had already secured a silver in the team combined and a bronze in the giant slalom earlier in these Games, produced a clinical second run to post a combined time of 1:53.61.
His victory marks the first time a Swiss man has won Olympic slalom gold since Edy Reinalter in 1948. Austria’s Fabio Gstrein claimed the silver medal, while Norwegian veteran Henrik Kristoffersen took home the bronze.
Heartbreak for Atle Lie McGrath
The story of the day was as much about those who fell as those who finished. Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath held a commanding lead after the first run and appeared to be on track for gold. However, in a moment of high-stakes drama during his second run, McGrath straddled a gate, ending his podium hopes instantly.
The emotional toll was evident as McGrath was seen throwing his ski poles and laying in the snow in despair. He was not the only high-profile casualty; Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen also suffered a significant fall during the opening run, highlighting the “slide-fest” conditions that plagued the field of 96 entrants.
Technical Specifications: Men’s Slalom
Slalom remains the most technical and shortest of the Alpine disciplines. Based on official regulations and historical data, the men’s event is defined by the following parameters:
| Feature | Men’s Slalom Specification |
|---|---|
| Number of Gates | 55 to 75 gates |
| Vertical Drop | 180 to 220 metres |
| Minimum Ski Length | 160 cm |
| Average Run Time | 50 to 60 seconds per run |
| Course Characteristics | Closely spaced poles requiring rapid turns |
International Performances
While the podium was dominated by traditional Alpine powerhouses, several other nations celebrated gritty finishes in the blizzard. Ireland’s Cormac Comerford finished in 31st place with a combined time of 2:10.24, while Cyprus’s Yianno Kouyoumdjian survived the conditions to finish 34th. Notably, for the first time in recent Olympic history, there were no Canadian entries in the men’s slalom event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the men’s slalom gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Loïc Meillard of Switzerland won the gold medal on 16 February 2026, with a combined time of 1:53.61.
What happened to Atle Lie McGrath?
Despite leading after the first run, the Norwegian skier straddled a gate in his second run, resulting in a DNF (Did Not Finish) and a loss of his medal position.
How does slalom differ from giant slalom?
Slalom is the shortest discipline with the most turns and the most closely spaced gates. The vertical drop for men’s slalom is capped at 220m, whereas giant slalom features a drop of up to 450m and gates spaced further apart to allow for higher speeds.
When was the last time Switzerland won gold in men’s slalom?
Prior to Loïc Meillard’s victory yesterday, the last Swiss man to win Olympic gold in the slalom was Edy Reinalter at the 1948 St. Moritz Games.