Ester Ledecka’s Quest for Third Gold Stopped at Winter Olympics

Emerson Raymont

Published: February 8, 2026 12:52 PM ET

Czech athlete Ester Ledecka, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in women’s parallel giant slalom, faced an unexpected setback during the Winter Olympics held in Livigno, Italy. Competing on Sunday, Ledecka was heavily favored to secure her third gold medal but was eliminated in the quarterfinals by just 0.06 seconds against Austria’s Sabine Payer.

Ester Ledecka’s Quest for Third Gold Stopped at Winter Olympics

Ledecka’s early exit was surprising, especially after she clocked the fastest qualifying time, outpacing Payer by 2.69 seconds over two runs. This defeat marked Ledecka’s first loss in the parallel giant slalom since her last competition in 2023.

Competition Highlights

Zuzana Maderova won the gold medal, finishing with an impressive 0.83-second lead over Sabine Payer.
Lucia Dalmasso secured bronze for Italy by defeating fellow Italian Elisa Caffont.
Japan’s Tsubaki Miki, another strong contender, was also eliminated in the quarterfinals.

During the 2018 Winter Olympics, Ledecka garnered worldwide attention by clinching gold in both snowboard and ski events, a feat never seen before. This year, she opted to compete in the parallel giant slalom, bypassing the downhill events due to the scheduling conflicts between Livigno and Cortina.

Future of Parallel Giant Slalom

As Ledecka aimed for a unique milestone, seeking to join an elite group of three-time Olympic champions, the question of parallel giant slalom’s future looms large. The International Olympic Committee is currently reviewing the event’s inclusion in the 2030 Olympic program in the French Alps.

Viewership will play a significant role in determining the event’s fate. Athletes have started a social media initiative under the hashtag #keepPSGolympic to advocate for its continuation. Ledecka expressed her passion for the sport in a recent Instagram video, emphasizing its importance in the Olympic lineup.

“It’s an amazing sport that definitely deserves to be in the Olympics,” she stated. Ledecka hopes influential advocates will support the discipline’s place in future games, echoing the sentiments of many fans and athletes alike.