Simone Deromedis (left) and Federico Tomasoni celebrate their gold and silver medals. © APA/afp / KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV

Gold and silver: Italy's ski cross athletes are incredible!

Italy's ski cross athletes had a very successful showing at the Olympic Games in Livigno. While a competitor from Trentino won gold, silver went to a surprise athlete.

February 21, 2026

From: dl

In heavy snowfall in Livigno (the athletes had to repeatedly push off with skating steps), the winner was crowned Simone Deromedis to Olympic champion. The 25-year-old from Trentino was by far the best in Saturday's final runs. Especially at the start, there was no beating the 2023 world champion – and that was true in the grand final as well.

There, Deromedis sat down in front of his compatriot Federico Tomasoni and the Swiss skier Alex Fiva. The Italian took silver in a photo finish. Speaking of Tomasoni: The 28-year-old He was the friend of skier Matilde Lorenzi, who died last year, and now won an emotional silver medal.

Trentino's Simone Deromedis won gold in ski cross. © APA/afp / KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV

While Deromedis had already won two World Cup races this year and was among the top favorites, Tomasoni had never finished better than fifth. His medal is nothing short of sensational. Deromedis and Tomasoni had already advanced together in their semifinal heat.

Dominik Zuech is eliminated in the quarterfinals.

As the only South Tyrolean, Dominik Zuech The soon-to-be 30-year-old, who posted the eighth fastest time in qualifying, advanced to the round of 16 in second place in his heat with Deromedis. Zuech's skis became entangled with those of his teammate Edoardo Zorzi just before the finish line – with the South Tyrolean ultimately prevailing.

Dominik Zuech (here behind Simone Deromedis) advanced past the round of 16. © APA/afp / KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV

Zuech completely missed the start in the quarterfinals, but during his comeback attempt, the player from Burggräfler at least managed to overtake the top favorite, Reece Howden from Canada, who was surprisingly eliminated. However, Zuech couldn't catch his teammates Deromedis and Tomasoni and was eliminated.