BORMIO (Azat TV) – Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard clinched the highly coveted Olympic gold medal in the men’s slalom at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Bormio, Italy, marking his third medal of a remarkable Games performance. Meillard secured his victory with a commanding second run on the challenging Stelvio course, overcoming a competitive field that saw significant attrition.
Meillard’s triumph in the slalom adds to his growing collection from the Milan/Cortina Games, following a bronze medal in the men’s giant slalom and a silver in the team combined event, where he partnered with compatriot Marco Odermatt. This latest gold solidifies his status as one of the standout athletes of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Chaotic Opening Run Sets Stage for Men’s Slalom Drama
The men’s Olympic slalom began with intense drama on the Stelvio course, as Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath, the World Cup slalom leader, dominated the first run. McGrath, who was the first racer out of the gate, posted a commanding time of 56.14 seconds, building his advantage in the decisive lower sections. Loïc Meillard was in a strong second position after the opening leg, trailing McGrath by 0.59 seconds, setting the stage for a gripping final run, as reported by Ski Racing.
The first run was characterized by significant challenges and high attrition, with light snow and fog subtly affecting visibility and surface grip. The Olympic pressure led many skiers to attack aggressively, resulting in a high number of non-finishes. By the time bib 43 had started, 20 racers had already failed to complete the course, including notable contenders like France’s Paco Rassat, Austria’s Manuel Feller, and the United States’ River Radamus.
Meillard’s Second Run Secures Gold
Despite the challenging conditions and the strong lead held by McGrath, Loïc Meillard delivered a phenomenal performance in his second run. His precise execution and superior speed allowed him to overcome the deficit, ultimately securing the gold medal. This victory underscores his ability to perform under pressure and navigate the demanding technical aspects of the slalom course.
The Stelvio course, known for its unforgiving nature, tested the limits of every competitor. Meillard’s ability to maintain composure and execute a flawless second run proved decisive in a race where many faltered. His win was a testament to his consistent form throughout the Games, culminating in this significant Olympic title.
Other Notable Performances and Farewells
Beyond the medal contention, the men’s slalom saw several other compelling storylines. Great Britain’s Billy Major delivered a composed first run, placing 13th, while his teammate Dave Ryding, competing in his fifth and final Olympic Games, finished his last Olympic slalom appearance. Laurie Taylor, another British skier, skied out in the second sector.
A poignant moment also occurred with the ceremonial farewell of Greece’s AJ Ginnis. Managing a career-ending knee injury, Ginnis carefully skied down the course to applause, marking his first and last Olympic appearance after a distinguished career that included a World Cup podium and a World Championship silver medal. The high rate of non-finishes highlighted the extreme difficulty and competitive intensity of the event.
Loïc Meillard’s gold medal in the men’s slalom, coupled with his earlier bronze and silver, exemplifies the strategic depth and mental fortitude required to excel across multiple alpine disciplines at the highest level of Olympic competition.