BORMIO, Italy – Singaporean alpine skier Faiz Basha experienced a challenging Winter Olympics debut on Saturday, February 14th, registering a Did Not Finish (DNF) in the first run of the men’s giant slalom at the Stelvio Ski Centre. The 23-year-old lost a ski while navigating a gate, resulting in his elimination from the competition.
The giant slalom, a demanding discipline in alpine skiing, requires athletes to descend a course marked by gates, with wider spacing between them compared to the more technical slalom event. Competitors complete two runs, and their combined times determine the final standings. Only those who successfully complete the first run are eligible to compete in the second.
Despite the early setback, Basha expressed contentment with his approach. “Honestly I’m pretty contented with the race today,” he said. “For me I would rather DNF skiing in search of speed, than to finish skiing conservatively, especially at an event like this.” His willingness to prioritize aggressive skiing over a cautious, completion-focused run reflects a determined mindset for the young athlete.
The race itself saw challenging conditions, even for the world’s most seasoned skiers. Basha noted, “Today was a challenging race even for the world’s best, the spread in timings was unprecedented, so I am happy to have skied my way and not backed down.” A total of 81 athletes started the giant slalom, and Basha was one of eight who did not finish the first run, including seasoned competitor Luca De Aliprandini of Italy, a 2021 world championships silver medalist.
The event ultimately belonged to Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who secured a historic gold medal. Braathen, competing as the first skier on the course, established a commanding lead that he successfully defended through the second run, despite a slight dip in performance. Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt claimed the silver medal, while Loic Meillard rounded out the podium with a bronze.
Braathen’s victory is particularly significant as it marks the first Winter Olympics gold medal ever won by an athlete representing a South American nation. He led after the first run, posting a time that proved difficult for subsequent competitors to match. While his second run wasn’t as dominant, his initial 0.95-second advantage proved sufficient to secure the win.
Basha’s Olympic journey isn’t over. He is scheduled to compete in the slalom event on February 16th, a discipline in which he feels more experienced, and confident. The slalom course is shorter and features tighter turns than the giant slalom, potentially playing to Basha’s strengths.
The giant slalom’s unpredictable nature was evident throughout the competition. The wide-set gates demand a balance of power, precision, and tactical awareness. The challenging course conditions contributed to the unusually high number of DNFs, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining speed and control.
Basha’s debut, while ending prematurely, demonstrates a commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing risk. His perspective – preferring a bold attempt at speed even if it results in a DNF – offers a glimpse into his competitive spirit and approach to the sport. As he prepares for the slalom event, he carries the experience of his first Olympic run and the determination to build on it.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue to deliver compelling moments, and the story of Lucas Pinheiro Braathen’s historic gold medal will undoubtedly resonate throughout the games. For Singapore, Faiz Basha’s participation represents a growing presence in winter sports and a testament to the dedication of athletes pursuing their dreams on the global stage.
