Loic Meillard is the celebrated hero in Bormio. © APA/afp / DIMITAR DILKOFF

Slalom gold: Loic Meillard crowns his career

After a curious first run, the conditions in the second run of the men's Olympic slalom in Bormio were much fairer – and in the end Loic Meillard celebrated.

February 16, 2026

From: dl

Loic Meillard crowned his career, winning his first Olympic gold medal on the Stelvio on Monday. The Swiss skier was at halftime He was in second place and put on a phenomenal final performance. Meillard posted the fastest time in the second run – tied with Austrian Fabio Gstrein. The 28-year-old from Sölden took the silver medal and was absolutely thrilled.

Bronze went to Norway's Henrik Kristoffersen. Atle Lie McGrath, however, became the tragic hero. The Norwegian, who was leading at the halfway point, straddled a gate in the final and was furious afterward. The 25-year-old missed out on his first Olympic medal and subsequently let his frustration show.

Loic Meillard won his first Olympic gold medal. © APA/afp / FABRICE COFFRINI

Meillard, on the other hand, is the celebrated hero in Bormio. After winning silver in the team combined and bronze in the giant slalom, he completed his set of medals. Just a year ago at the World Championships in Saalbach, the 29-year-old had already won three medals – including slalom gold. Now he has repeated this feat at the Olympics. This is the first gold medal for Swiss men's skiing at the Games in 78 years!

Saccardi as the only Azzurro in the final

Of the Italians, only Tommaso Saccardi qualified for the second run. The 24-year-old finished in 12th place. The two South Tyroleans, Alex Vinatzer and Tobias Kastlunger, as well as the Italian Tommaso Sala, were eliminated in the first run. This concludes the ski races at the Bormio Olympics. The women's slalom race will take place on Wednesday in Cortina.


.