MILAN-CORTINA, Italy – Henry Sildaru of Estonia secured a silver medal in the men’s freeski halfpipe at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on Friday, marking a historic achievement for the nation and signaling a rising tide of talent in Estonian freestyle skiing. The 19-year-old overcame a fall in his first run to deliver a stunning performance, ultimately finishing with a score of 93.00.
The gold medal went to American Alex Ferreira, who posted a score of 93.75, while Canada’s Brendan Mackay claimed the bronze with 91.00. Despite the strong competition, Sildaru’s resilience and improvement throughout the rounds were particularly noteworthy. His initial run saw a crash on the fourth feature, leaving him with a score of just 24.25 – a potentially devastating start to his Olympic campaign.
However, Sildaru demonstrated remarkable composure, rebounding with a clean and technically challenging second run. He landed every hit, including a standout left-side 1620, earning a score of 92.75 and temporarily taking the lead. He then further elevated his performance in the final round, adding 0.25 points to his previous score to reach the final mark of 93.00, a score that proved enough to secure the silver medal.
This victory is particularly significant as it represents Estonia’s first medal in freestyle skiing at the Winter Olympics. It underscores the growing strength of the country’s freestyle program, which has been steadily developing over recent years. Sildaru’s success is expected to inspire a new generation of Estonian skiers and further investment in the sport.
The shape of Sildaru’s medal-winning run was especially compelling. It wasn’t a smooth, front-running performance, but a testament to his ability to reset and respond under pressure. The judges clearly recognized the difficulty and execution of his maneuvers, rewarding his improvement with each successive run.
Sildaru’s performance comes as a surprise to many, with some observers labeling him a “dark horse” in the competition. His rise to prominence on the international stage has been relatively recent, making his Olympic success all the more impressive. The silver medal confirms Estonia’s emergence as a force to be reckoned with in the world of freestyle skiing.
The Estonian team and fans celebrated the historic achievement, recognizing it as a landmark moment for the nation’s winter sports program. The victory is expected to generate significant media attention and public interest in freestyle skiing within Estonia.
Adding to the family legacy, Henry Sildaru’s sister, Kelly Sildaru, is also a prominent freestyle skier. Kelly has a decorated career, including multiple Winter X Games medals and a World Championship title. While Kelly did not compete in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, her success has undoubtedly paved the way for her brother and other Estonian athletes.
The men’s freeski halfpipe final was a thrilling contest, with several athletes pushing the boundaries of the sport. Ferreira’s gold medal-winning run showcased his technical skill and consistency, while Mackay’s bronze medal performance demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure. However, it was Sildaru’s remarkable comeback and unwavering determination that captured the attention of viewers and solidified his place as an Olympic medalist.
This medal ends Estonia’s drought at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, providing a much-needed boost to the nation’s medal count. The Estonian team will now look to build on this success and continue to compete at a high level throughout the remainder of the Games.
Sildaru’s silver medal is not just a personal triumph, but a symbol of Estonia’s growing ambition and potential in winter sports. It is a moment that will be remembered for years to come and will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Estonian athletes to pursue their dreams on the world stage.
