Mathilde Gremaud Secures Back-to-Back Gold in Freeski Slopestyle at 2026 Olympics
In a display of precision and power that left spectators breathless, Swiss freestyle skier Mathilde Gremaud has clinched her second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the women's freeski slopestyle event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. The 25-year-old's flawless performance edged out American sensation Eileen Gu, who settled for silver after a valiant final run. This victory cements Gremaud's status as one of the most dominant figures in the sport, blending technical mastery with fearless aerial maneuvers.
The Road to Gold: Gremaud's Dominant Performance
Gremaud's path to the podium was anything but straightforward. Entering the competition as the defending champion from Beijing 2022, she faced immense pressure in the slopestyle discipline, which tests athletes' creativity and control across a series of rails, jumps, and features. The course at the Milano Cortina venue demanded adaptability to variable snow conditions, a factor that has tripped up many top contenders in past Games.
From the qualification rounds, Gremaud showcased her signature style: a mix of switch landings, double corks, and stylish grabs that earned her high scores for amplitude and difficulty. In the final, she posted a leading score of 94.50 on her second run, featuring a near-perfect left double cork 1080 and a buttery smooth rail section. Her final attempt was more about securing the win than risking it all, but it was enough to hold off challengers.
"It's surreal to do it again," Gremaud said post-run, her voice echoing the exhaustion and elation of the moment. "The crowd's energy pushed me through. This gold is for Switzerland and everyone who's believed in me." Her score bested Gu's 92.50, with Japan's Miyabi Otsuka taking bronze at 89.75. Gu, who switched nationalities to represent China in 2022 and won gold there, expressed disappointment but praised Gremaud's consistency: "She's on another level right now. I'll be back stronger."
Analyzing the Technical Edge
What sets Gremaud apart? Experts point to her impeccable rail work—often the make-or-break element in slopestyle. While Gu excels in massive airs, Gremaud's ability to link technical features without amplitude loss gives her an edge in judging criteria, which weighs style, difficulty, and execution equally. Data from the event shows Gremaud's runs averaged 9.5/10 for execution, compared to Gu's 9.2, highlighting her precision under pressure.
This isn't just a win; it's a statement. Gremaud's back-to-back golds make her the first woman to achieve this in freeski slopestyle since its Olympic debut in 2014, underscoring the evolution of women's freestyle skiing from niche to mainstream spectacle.
Australian Stars Shine in Snowboard Big Air Final
As Gremaud's drama unfolded, eyes turned to the Australian contingent making waves in the women's snowboard big air final at Livigno Snow Park. Tess Coady, the Tokyo 2020 gold medalist in park, kicked off the event going first—a tough draw for the 22-year-old from New South Wales. Undeterred, she nailed a backside 1080 for 70 points, setting a confident tone for her remaining runs.
"Starting first is nerve-wracking, but I focused on clean execution," Coady shared. Her strategy paid off as she ramped up the difficulty, attempting a frontside 1260 in run two that judges rewarded with 85.50, vaulting her into contention. Fellow Aussie Mela Stalker, 19, from Tasmania, followed suit with a strong showing, landing a switch backside 900 for 78.25 points early on.
The big air final saw international flair, with Austria's Anna Gasser pushing boundaries on a cab triple cork 1260 and Japan's Reira Iwabuchi grabbing the lead temporarily at 82.75. For Australians, this event represents a golden opportunity to build on Sydney's emerging snow sports legacy. Coady and Stalker, both products of the nation's high-performance programs, embody the grit required for Olympic success Down Under.
Challenges and Hopes for Aussie Medal Hopefuls
Weather played a pivotal role, with gusty winds affecting takeoff speeds and forcing adjustments. Coady's experience from previous Olympics helped her adapt, while Stalker's youthful fearlessness shone through. Analysts predict a podium shot if they maintain form—Australia's snowboarding program has invested heavily since PyeongChang 2018, yielding multiple medals.
Beyond the slopes, the Aussies represent a growing interest in winter sports amid climate challenges. Programs like those at Perisher and Thredbo are nurturing talent, with Coady crediting her team's support: "We're here to inspire the next generation."
Broader Olympic Highlights and What's Next
Day 2 of the 2026 Games wasn't just about Gremaud and the Aussies. In ice dance, Holly Harris and Jason Chan made history as Australia's first entrants in 12 years, performing to 'Clair de Lune' in the rhythm dance. Though scores trailed leaders like Spain (64.76) and China (64.98), their debut signals a resurgence in figure skating.
Short track speed skating saw a Dutch double in the women's 1,000m, while opening ceremony echoes—jeers, cheers, and peace pleas—reminded us of the Games' global stakes. 'Sabotage' rumors from delayed trains added intrigue, but the focus remained on athletic excellence.
Looking ahead, freestyle skiing continues with more events, and the big air final concludes Tuesday morning AEDT. For Australians, it's a chance to medal in a sport where they've historically excelled. Gremaud's triumph, meanwhile, sets the bar high for the field, promising more jaw-dropping action as Milano Cortina unfolds.
This Olympic edition, blending tradition with innovation, reaffirms winter sports' allure. Whether it's Gremaud's technical wizardry or Coady's bold spins, the 2026 Games are delivering unforgettable moments.
