Megan Oldham Claims Bronze in Women's Slopestyle Skiing at 2026 Olympics
In a display of grit and aerial artistry, Canadian skier Megan Oldham has etched her name into Olympic history by clinching bronze in the women's freeski slopestyle event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The 24-year-old from Calgary went all out in her final run at the Livigno course in Italy, captivating audiences with a high-flying routine that secured her spot on the podium. This victory marks Canada's second medal of the Games, boosting national spirits as the competition heats up.
The Thrilling Final in Livigno
The women's slopestyle skiing event unfolded under crisp Italian skies, with the Livigno venue transforming into a playground for gravity-defying tricks. Slopestyle, a discipline that combines rails, jumps, and features into a seamless run, demands precision, creativity, and courage. Oldham, known for her bold style, entered the final with determination after qualifying strongly in earlier rounds.
In her decisive third run, Oldham launched into a series of impeccable maneuvers, including a double cork 1080 and a switch 900 off the final jump. Judges rewarded her technical prowess and amplitude, scoring her 84.50 points – enough to edge out competitors and lock in third place behind gold medalist from Norway and silver from the USA. The crowd's roar echoed through the mountains as Oldham crossed the finish line, her helmet cam footage later revealing the raw emotion of the moment.
Key Highlights from Oldham's Run
- Opening Rail Sequence: A flawless 270 out on the down rail set the tone for her run.
- Mid-Run Jumps: Clean airs with style points for her switch methods.
- Closing Big Air: The double cork that sealed her bronze medal fate.
Post-run, Oldham shared her exhilaration: 'This feels surreal. The Livigno course pushed me to my limits, but that's what the Olympics are all about.' Her performance not only highlighted her skill but also the evolution of freeskiing as a spectator sport, blending extreme sports flair with Olympic prestige.
Megan Oldham: From Canadian Slopes to Olympic Podium
Megan Oldham's journey to the 2026 Olympics is a testament to perseverance and passion. Hailing from Alberta, she first strapped on skis at age five, drawn to the freedom of freestyle disciplines. By her teens, Oldham was dominating the NorAm Cup circuit, earning her spot on the Canadian national team in 2018.
Her breakthrough came at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she placed seventh in slopestyle, a result that fueled her fire for Milano Cortina. Training at world-class facilities like Marmot Basin and with mentors including past Olympians, Oldham refined her arsenal of tricks. Off the snow, she's an advocate for mental health in sports, often discussing the pressures of high-stakes competition on social media.
In the lead-up to 2026, Oldham faced setbacks, including a minor injury during World Cup qualifiers. But her resilience shone through, culminating in this bronze. 'It's not just about the medal; it's about representing Canada and inspiring the next generation,' she reflected during the medal ceremony.
Behind the Scenes: Training and Preparation
Oldham's regimen involved months of rail grinding, jump progressions, and video analysis. Collaborating with coaches from Freestyle Canada, she adapted to the Livigno course's unique features – steeper rails and bigger knuckers – during pre-Games camps. Her use of innovative gear, like lighter bindings, gave her an edge in amplitude.
The Canadian team's support was crucial, with fellow slopestyle skier Amy Fraser providing camaraderie and tactical advice. This bronze adds to Oldham's growing medal haul, including golds from the 2024 X Games and multiple World Cup podiums.
Canada's Medal Momentum Builds
Oldham's achievement elevates Canada's tally to two bronzes on Day 3 of the Milano Cortina Games. Teammate Valérie Maltais earlier snagged bronze in long-track speed skating, signaling a strong start for Team Canada. However, the figure skating team event ended in fifth place, a disappointment after high hopes anchored by Stephen Gogolev's fourth in the men's free skate.
Looking ahead, speed skating remains Canada's prime medal contender, with athletes like Isabelle Weidemann eyeing gold in the 3000m. On the ice, the women's hockey team faces Czechia this afternoon, while the men's squad, captained by Sidney Crosby, settles in Italy. Curling mixed doubles duo Gallant and Peterman seek a turnaround after losses to Sweden.
Tragically, the Games have seen drama with American alpine star Lindsey Vonn airlifted after a downhill crash, underscoring the risks involved. Yet, lighter moments abound, from athletes' TikTok tours – like goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer's move-in vlog – to the buzz around trading pins, including Canada's iconic moose dubbed 'Shane'.
Broader Olympic Context
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina blend Italy's alpine heritage with modern venues. Slopestyle's inclusion since 2014 has popularized freeskiing, drawing global talent. For Australian viewers, the event resonates with our own winter sports scene, from Thredbo to Perisher, inspiring local freestylers.
Oldham's success spotlights women's progression in extreme sports, where female participation has surged 40% since Sochi 2014. As coverage continues on platforms like CBC Gem, fans Down Under can stream via international broadcasters, celebrating this cross-continental triumph.
What's Next for Megan Oldham and Team Canada?
With the slopestyle event wrapped, Oldham eyes the big air competition later in the Games, where her vert prowess could yield another medal. For Canada, the focus shifts to hockey and speed skating, with potential for a medal surge. Oldham's bronze not only boosts morale but cements her as a freestyle icon.
In a Games marked by innovation – from sustainable venues to enhanced athlete welfare – Oldham's story embodies the Olympic spirit: pushing boundaries while staying true to one's roots. As the torch burns bright in the Italian Alps, expect more Canadian highlights to light up the scoreboard.
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