Dramatic: Ski star flees into the forest

Norwegian ski racer Atle Lie McGrath experienced a sporting drama in the Bormio Olympic slalom and afterwards let his feelings run free in an unusual way.

February 16, 2026

From: dpa/dl

The 25-year-old went into the second round in the lead with a clear advantage, and had the gold medal in his sights. However, he then got involved and was eliminated. Deeply disappointed, McGrath first threw his ski poles away in a high arc and then trudged off on foot towards the woods. The Scandinavian ran across the piste, crossed the course boundary, kept going and going – and finally collapsed into the snow near some trees.

McGrath is currently one of the best slalom skiers in the world. The Norwegian has already reached the World Cup podium five times this season and thus also leads the overall slalom standings.

Atle Lie McGrath was furious and disappointed. © APA/afp / DIMITAR DILKOFF

At the Winter Games in northern Italy, he also benefited from his early starting number one in the first run. Several other top skiers were eliminated early due to snowfall and difficult visibility. However, after his mistake in the final, McGrath had to concede the gold medal to Swiss world champion Loic Meillard.

Keywords Olympics 2026 Alpine skiing Bormio Atle Lie McGrath