Helena Skier Konnor Ralph Advances to Freeski Big Air Final at Milan Cortina Olympics
LIVIGNO, Italy — Helena, Montana’s Konnor Ralph secured his place in the final round of the men’s freeski big air competition at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The 23-year-old finished 12th in the qualifying round, narrowly edging out Switzerland’s Fabian Boesch for the final qualifying spot.
Ralph achieved a cumulative score of 171.75 across three rounds. He began strongly, posting an 86.75 in his first run, which initially placed him in fourth position. However, a challenging second run resulted in a score of only 25.75 after he spun out on the landing, dropping him to 22nd place.
Facing elimination, Ralph delivered a crucial 85.00-point score in his third and final qualifying attempt, propelling him back into contention and temporarily into ninth place. As the remaining competitors completed their runs, Ralph’s position fluctuated, falling to 10th and then 11th before Martin Nordqvist of Sweden pushed him down to 12th with a score of 83.50. A clean landing by Kim Gubser and a subsequent unsuccessful attempt by Lucas Ball of New Zealand sealed Ralph’s qualification.
Fabian Boesch finished just outside the qualifying cut, achieving a three-round total of 170.00. Mac Forehand of the United States led all qualifiers with a score of 183.00, and fellow American Troy Podmilsak also advanced to the final, securing 10th place with a total score of 174.00.
This marks Ralph’s second appearance in a final at the 2026 Winter Olympics, having previously qualified for the Men’s Slopestyle final last week. The freeski big air final is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
