LIVIGNO, ITALY – – Alex Ferreira, a 31-year-old free skier from Aspen, Colorado, achieved a significant milestone in his career and for Team USA, winning gold in the freeski halfpipe event at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games. This victory not only completed Ferreira’s medal set – having previously earned silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022 – but also secured the tenth gold medal for the United States at these Games.
This achievement ties the U.S. With its own all-time record for gold medals earned at a Winter Olympics, a feat previously accomplished at the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, as noted by Olympic historian Bill Mallon. Ferreira’s final run, scoring a 93.75, narrowly edged out Estonia’s Henry Sildaru (93.00) for the top spot on the podium. Canada’s Brendan Mackay secured the bronze with a score of 91.00.
Ferreira’s success builds upon a strong start for Team USA at these Games, initiated by alpine skier Breezy Johnson’s gold medal on . Other American gold medalists include alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin, bobsledder Elana Meyers-Taylor, figure skater Alysia Liu, the U.S. Figure skating team, Elizabeth Lemley in freeski moguls, the U.S. Women’s ice hockey team, and speedskater Jordan Stolz, who has earned two individual golds at these Games.
The U.S. Currently stands second in the overall medal count at the Winter Olympics, trailing only Norway, which has secured 17 gold medals – surpassing their previous record of 16 set at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. This sets the stage for a potentially record-breaking finish for the American team, with several opportunities remaining to surpass the existing gold medal record.
Ferreira’s journey to Olympic gold has been marked by consistent performance and dedication. He has achieved 16 World Cup podium finishes and seven X Games medals, culminating in a perfect season in 2023-24 where he won every contest he entered. He indicated that these Olympic Games may be his last, marking a poignant end to a distinguished career.
The competition wasn’t without its challenges for the American team. Fellow American Nick Goepper experienced a crash during his final run, ultimately finishing fourth, while Birk Irving finished fifth. Despite this, Ferreira’s victory remains a highlight for the U.S. Contingent.
The success of Team USA at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics reflects a broad range of athletic achievement across various disciplines. With ongoing competitions, including a speedskating race for Jordan Stolz and a two-person bobsled race for Elana Meyers-Taylor on Saturday, and the U.S. Men’s ice hockey team vying for a gold medal on Sunday, the possibility of breaking the American gold medal record remains within reach.
This Games has already seen moments of unity and pride, such as the U.S. Women’s hockey team singing the national anthem arm in arm after their gold medal win, demonstrating the spirit of teamwork and national pride that defines the Olympic Games.
