Quick Read
- Brendan Mackay secured the top qualifying spot in the men’s freeski halfpipe at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- The 28-year-old Canadian skier scored 92.75 in his second qualifying run in Livigno, Italy.
- Mackay outscored three-time Olympic medalist Nick Goepper, who qualified second with 90 points.
- The qualification and final rounds were both held on Friday, February 20, following a weather delay.
- Mackay previously won a gold medal at the 2023 Freestyle Skiing World Championships.
LIVIGNO (Azat TV) – Canadian freestyle skiing sensation Brendan Mackay secured the top qualifying spot in the men’s freeski halfpipe event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, on Friday, positioning himself as a strong favorite for a medal in the highly anticipated finals later today. Mackay, who previously earned a gold medal at the 2023 World Championships, delivered a commanding performance to lead a competitive field into the decisive round.
The 28-year-old athlete from Canada demonstrated his prowess on the semi-cylindrical slopes of Livigno Snow Park, posting an impressive score of 92.75 during his second qualifying run. This score surpassed all other competitors, including three-time Olympic medalist Nick Goepper of Team USA, who qualified second with a score of 90, according to official results. The qualification runs, initially slated for Thursday, were delayed by a day due to challenging weather conditions in Livigno, leading to both qualification and final rounds being held on Friday.
Mackay’s Dominant Qualification Performance
Brendan Mackay’s leading qualification marks him as a formidable force in the men’s freeski halfpipe. His top score of 92.75 highlights his consistent ability to execute complex tricks and maneuvers with precision and style. This performance builds on a strong track record, including his gold medal win at the 2023 Freestyle Skiing World Championships, where he cemented his status among the elite in the sport. At the Beijing 2022 Olympics, Mackay finished ninth in the ski halfpipe, an experience that likely fuels his drive for an Olympic medal in Milan Cortina.
The field for the final round is exceptionally strong, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent. Alongside Mackay and Goepper, Estonia’s Henry Sildaru qualified third with a score of 88, and Benjamin Lynch will represent Ireland, aiming to secure the nation’s first-ever winter Olympic medal. The finals will see each skier perform three runs, with the best score determining the medalists.
The Road to Olympic Gold for Brendan Mackay
For Brendan Mackay, securing an Olympic gold medal would be a significant milestone, adding to his 2023 World Championship title and further solidifying his legacy in freestyle skiing. His current form suggests he is peaking at the right moment, bringing a blend of technical mastery and competitive experience to the high-stakes Olympic stage. The Canadian contingent will be keenly watching as Mackay vies for the top spot, hoping to see him translate his qualifying success into Olympic glory.
The men’s freeski halfpipe finals are scheduled for Friday afternoon, February 20, with the awards ceremony to follow the event. Fans in North America can watch the competition via NBC and its streaming platforms, including Peacock, with coverage slated to begin at 1:30 p.m. EST.
Brendan Mackay’s consistent ability to perform at the highest level, evidenced by his World Championship title and now his top Olympic qualifying score, underscores his position as a dominant figure in men’s freeski halfpipe, making him a central focus for medal contention.