Alessandro Haemmerle Claims Second Snowboard Cross Gold for Austria
Austrians Alessandro Haemmerle and Jakob Dusek, along with Canada’s Eliot Grondin, made headlines at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy. On February 12, Haemmerle clinched gold in the men’s snowboard cross finals, marking his second consecutive Olympic victory in this exhilarating sport.
Alessandro Haemmerle’s Impressive Performance
Haemmerle crossed the finish line just 0.03 seconds ahead of Grondin, who took home the silver medal for the second consecutive Olympics. Dusek, also from Austria, secured the bronze medal, completing a remarkable day for the Austrian team.
The final took place on a challenging 1.1-kilometer (0.7-mile) course while light snow fell throughout the event. All finalists faced tough qualifying rounds that tested their skills and endurance.
Emotional Medal Ceremony
During the medal ceremony, 32-year-old Haemmerle displayed his strong emotions. As he sang the Austrian national anthem, he expressed the significance of this victory. “It means a ton to me. I worked so hard for this,” he remarked. “This was my number one goal, and to fulfil it is just surreal.”
Haemmerle indicated that this might be his last Olympic appearance, stating, “I’m so happy to leave the stage like that.” He acknowledged the rising talent in the sport and suggested that he might explore new opportunities moving forward.
Highlights from the Competition
- Alessandro Haemmerle – Gold Medalist
- Eliot Grondin – Silver Medalist
- Jakob Dusek – Bronze Medalist
Snowboard cross is known for its unpredictable nature. Races feature high speeds and a winding course, often leading to exciting and aggressive competition. Haemmerle and Grondin’s rivalry continued from the last Olympics, where Haemmerle also beat Grondin by a narrow margin.
Grondin reflected positively on his performance, noting, “I had fun. Silver it is, and I can be happy with my week.” Meanwhile, Italy’s Omar Visintin, the reigning bronze medallist, was eliminated early in the competition.
Notable Competitors and Results
French brothers Aidan and Jonas Chollet also competed, with Aidan finishing fourth and Jonas in sixth. Aidan led the race until the final bend but narrowly missed a medal. Their performance showcased the fierce competition and dedication of young athletes in the sport.
Nick Baumgartner, the oldest competitor at 44, placed seventh, improving upon his previous Olympic finish. American Nathan Pare faced disqualification in the quarter-finals after an incident involving illegal contact, highlighting the stringent rules governing snowboard cross.
This year’s event underscored the thrilling unpredictability and competitive spirit of snowboard cross, further establishing Haemmerle’s legacy as a premier athlete in the sport. For more updates on winter sports, keep visiting Filmogaz.com.
