MILAN/CORTINA, Italy – Loïc Meillard of Switzerland cemented a dominant showing in men’s alpine skiing at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on Monday, securing a gold medal in the slalom and completing a full set of medals at the Games. The victory, coming a year after a stellar performance at the World Championships in Saalbach, underscores Meillard’s emergence as a consistent performer on the biggest stages.
Meillard finished with a total time of 1:47.89, besting Austria’s Fabio Gstrein by .35 seconds. Norwegian veteran Henrik Kristoffersen, a bronze medalist in 2014, rounded out the podium, finishing 1.13 seconds behind Meillard.
The race unfolded dramatically after Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath, who led after the first run, straddled a gate early in the second run, effectively ending his chances at gold. McGrath’s disappointment was palpable, throwing his poles aside and walking into a wooded area where he collapsed to the ground. The incident occurred against the backdrop of personal grief for McGrath, who had recently lost his grandfather on the night of the opening ceremony.
“It’s amazing,” Meillard said. “It’s been long days, a lot of expectations about what you want to achieve, a lot of pressure on yourself. So to make it again, I would say after last year, world champs, leave with all the medals, with a world title in slalom and an Olympic title this year, it’s crazy.”
Meillard’s gold adds to the silver medal he won in the team combined and the bronze he secured in the giant slalom, making him one of the most decorated skiers at these Games. He acknowledged the misfortune of McGrath, stating, “Atle Lie would’ve deserved it as well, he was the best skier this season, but that’s part of slalom, that’s part of sport.”
Switzerland’s success extended beyond Meillard’s individual triumph. The nation secured four of the five men’s races at the Milan/Cortina Games, with Franjo von Allmen responsible for the victories in downhill, super-g, and the team combined (alongside Tanguy Nef). Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen broke the Swiss dominance, winning the giant slalom.
This Olympic performance solidifies Switzerland’s position as a powerhouse in alpine skiing, marking what some are calling a “golden era” for the nation’s skiers. The team’s consistent success throughout the Games has been a defining narrative of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
Meillard’s victory is particularly noteworthy given his consistent performance across multiple disciplines. He has demonstrated the versatility to compete at a high level in slalom, giant slalom, and combined events, making him a formidable opponent in any alpine competition. His ability to handle pressure and deliver on the biggest stages has established him as a leader within the Swiss team.
The slalom race itself was a testament to the technical skill and precision required in the discipline. The Stelvio Ski Center course proved challenging, with several racers struggling to navigate the tight turns and demanding terrain. McGrath’s early lead highlighted his prowess in the first run, but the unforgiving nature of slalom was evident in his second-run mishap.
Gstrein’s silver medal represents a strong performance for Austria, a nation with a rich history in alpine skiing. Kristoffersen’s bronze adds to his impressive Olympic resume, demonstrating his enduring competitiveness despite the emergence of younger talent.
The Swiss team’s overall success at the Games is a result of a comprehensive program that emphasizes athlete development, coaching expertise, and a supportive team environment. Von Allmen and Nef’s victory in the team combined, a new event at these Olympics, further underscores the depth and breadth of Swiss alpine skiing talent.
Looking ahead, Meillard’s performance at the Milano Cortina Games positions him as a favorite for future World Cup and Olympic competitions. His consistent improvement and ability to perform under pressure suggest that he will continue to be a dominant force in alpine skiing for years to come. The Swiss team, bolstered by its recent success, is poised to maintain its position as a leading nation in the sport.
