McGrath Leads as Challenging Conditions Mark Olympic Slalom First Run
The men’s Olympic slalom competition is underway in Milan and Cortina, with Norwegian skier McGrath setting the pace after a demanding first run. Difficult conditions, including heavy snowfall, have impacted visibility and surface speed, leading to a challenging race for competitors.
Early Leader Navigates Tricky Course
McGrath, currently leading the World Cup slalom standings, was the first racer to tackle the course. He posted a time of 56.14, establishing a benchmark that proved difficult for subsequent skiers to match. Swiss racer Meillard followed in second place, trailing McGrath by 0.59 seconds, while Austrian Gstrein secured third position with a time 0.94 seconds behind the leader.
Difficult Conditions Claim Several Racers
The challenging conditions led to a significant number of skiers failing to finish the first run, including Czech racer Marek Müller. Müller struggled with the course, failing to complete the first gate.
“It was complicated by the course design and the conditions; it wasn’t easy to see underfoot,” Müller stated. “They tried to maintain the surface, but it wasn’t as soft as I expected, and I didn’t handle it well.”
Müller added, “The course setter really made it tough, and I didn’t even know how many racers had dropped out. I made riding mistakes, so I won’t blame the conditions.”
Braathen’s Disappointment
A disappointing result came for Brazilian gold medalist Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who showed promising intermediate times but ultimately fell, ending his hopes for another medal.
Second Run to Determine Medalists
The second run, which will determine the medal winners, is scheduled to begin at 13:30. The top 30 slalom racers will compete in reverse order of their first-run times, as is customary in slalom events.
Current Standings (After First Run)
| XXV. Olympic Games |
|---|
| Skiing – slalom men (after 1st round) |
| 1. McGrath (Norway) 56.14 |
| 2. Meillard (Switzerland) +0.59 |
| 3. Gstrein (Austria) +0.94 |
| … |
| Marek Müller (Czech Republic) did not finish the first round. |
Olympics 2026 in Milan and Cortina
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key challenges for skiers in these conditions?
The primary challenges are reduced visibility due to snowfall and a less predictable surface, making it harder to maintain speed and control.
How does the reverse order start in the second run affect the competition?
It gives the slower racers from the first run a chance to compete on a more established course, while the leaders face potentially deteriorating conditions.
What happened to Lucas Pinheiro Braathen?
Braathen had a fall during his first run, ending his chances of competing for a medal.
Where is the competition taking place?
The competition is taking place in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
What time does the second run start?
The second run is scheduled to begin at 13:30.
Stay tuned for updates as the second run unfolds and the Olympic slalom champions are crowned.
