Quick Read
- Louie Vito, 37, competed in the Olympic halfpipe at Milano-Cortina 2026.
- He became the oldest snowboarder to participate in the event’s history.
- Vito represented Italy for his third Olympic appearance.
- He scored 58.75 in his first run but fell in his second, finishing 18th and missing the finals.
- His hometown of Bellefontaine, Ohio, held a watch party in support.
BELLEFONTAINE (Azat TV) – Three-time Olympian Louie Vito made history at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games, competing in the halfpipe at 37 years old and becoming the oldest snowboarder ever to contest the event. Representing Italy for his third Olympic appearance, Vito delivered a polished initial run but ultimately placed 18th, falling short of the finals despite his remarkable display of enduring skill and dedication in a sport increasingly dominated by younger athletes.
Louie Vito’s Historic Halfpipe Performance
Louie Vito, a native of Bellefontaine, Ohio, showcased his seasoned expertise during his qualifying runs on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. In his first attempt, Vito executed a clean and controlled performance, earning a score of 58.75. This score reflected his deep experience and technical mastery, marked by smooth transitions and precise maneuvers in the highly demanding halfpipe. However, aiming to improve his standing in the competitive field, Vito adopted a more aggressive approach in his second run, which unfortunately led to a fall on his very first trick. This setback prevented him from securing a higher score and ultimately positioned him 18th overall, just outside the top 12 required to advance to the final round. Despite not progressing to Friday’s finals, Vito’s participation at an age where most competitors have long retired from elite-level snowboarding underscored his profound commitment to the sport.
A Testament to Snowboarding Longevity
Vito’s presence at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Games drew significant attention, highlighting a shifting dynamic in extreme sports. While the halfpipe event typically sees athletes in their teens and early twenties dominating the podium, Vito defied these trends, proving that passion and dedication can sustain a career at the highest level for decades. His journey served as a powerful inspiration for athletes worldwide, demonstrating that age does not necessarily impose a barrier to competing on the grandest international stage. The competition saw top qualifiers like Australia’s Scotty James, who scored an impressive 94.0, along with Japan’s Yuto Totsuka (91.25) and Yamada Ryusei (90.25), underscoring the formidable talent pool Vito competed against (SSB Crack).
Hometown Rallies for Vito’s Olympic Journey
Back in his hometown of Bellefontaine, Ohio, dozens of supporters gathered for a spirited watch party on Wednesday afternoon, eagerly following Vito’s Olympic quest. Organized by a family friend and Kris Swisher, Vito’s former teacher, the event underscored the profound pride the community holds for their local hero. Swisher recalled past celebrations, including a meet-and-greet after Vito’s first Olympics where the governor and other representatives attended, with streets lined with fans seeking autographs. The community plans to organize another similar event and hopes Vito will participate as a celebrity in their America 250 parade in September. Vito’s journey began on the slopes of Mad River Mountain before he moved to Vermont for advanced training, a testament to his roots and the support that propelled him to international fame (Hometown Stations).
Beyond the Olympic Halfpipe: Vito’s Diverse Career
Louie Vito’s career extends beyond his Olympic appearances. He has garnered multiple medals in prestigious X-Games competitions and other events, cementing his status as a decorated snowboarder. Beyond the snow, Vito also gained broader public recognition for his participation in the ninth season of the popular reality television show Dancing with the Stars. These varied accomplishments highlight a multifaceted career, blending athletic excellence with mainstream entertainment, further solidifying his unique position in sports and popular culture. His consistent presence in the public eye, both on and off the slopes, has contributed to his enduring appeal and inspirational status.
Louie Vito’s historic turn at Milano-Cortina 2026, while not culminating in a medal, undeniably redefined the parameters of longevity in elite snowboarding, signaling a potential shift in how extreme sports careers are perceived and sustained.