Birk Ruud Claims Gold in Men’s Slopestyle at 2026 Winter Olympics
Birk Ruud showcased his exceptional skills at the 2026 Winter Olympics, claiming gold in the Men’s Slopestyle event. The competition took place in Livigno and drew attention due to its thrilling performances and challenging conditions.
Birk Ruud’s Dominant Performance
As the reigning world champion in slopestyle, Birk Ruud set the tone early in the finals. The 25-year-old skier only needed one strong run to capture his second Olympic title, having previously secured gold in Big Air at the Beijing 2022 Games.
Decisive First Run
Ruud posted an impressive opening score of 86.28, which ultimately held as the winning mark. His performance stood out against the backdrop of difficult weather conditions and a challenging course that affected many competitors.
Challenges Faced by Competitors
The visibility during the finals was hampered by low clouds, complicating the skiers’ efforts. Several athletes struggled to maintain clean runs, particularly on the rail sections of the course. Despite these obstacles, Ruud’s initial score was enough to keep him well ahead of the others.
Medal Standings
- Gold: Birk Ruud (Norway) – 86.28
- Silver: Alex Hall (USA) – 85.75
- Bronze: Luca Harrington (USA) – 85.15
Final Moments
Alex Hall, the slopestyle champion from Beijing 2022, secured silver with an 85.75 on his second attempt. Although he tried to improve his score in the final run, he was unable to surpass Ruud’s mark. Meanwhile, Luca Harrington achieved a remarkable finish in his Olympic debut, scoring 85.15 to clinch the bronze medal after initially being outside the podium standings.
Ruud’s performance not only emphasized his skill but also highlighted the unpredictability of the sport under challenging conditions at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
