Éliot Grondin Claims Silver in Men’s Snowboard Cross at 2026 Winter Olympics
At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Canadian snowboarder Éliot Grondin secured a silver medal in the men’s snowboard cross event. This marked a significant achievement for Grondin, who narrowly missed the gold medal for the second consecutive Olympics, having lost by just three one-hundredths of a second to Austrian competitor Alessandro Haemmerle.
Grondin Continues to Shine on the Olympic Stage
The 24-year-old from Ste-Marie, Quebec, expressed mixed emotions after the race. While he was proud of his performance, he aimed for the top podium spot. “Obviously I wanted gold. It was really close—again,” Grondin stated. He previously clinched a bronze medal in the mixed team event four years earlier.
- Gold Medalist: Alessandro Haemmerle (Austria)
- Silver Medalist: Éliot Grondin (Canada)
- Bronze Medalist: Jakob Dusek (Austria)
A Thrilling Final at Livigno Snow Park
The snowboard cross event was held at Livigno Snow Park, featuring a challenging 1,110-meter course with a vertical drop of 154 meters. Grondin faced intense competition from Dusek, rising star Aidan Chollet from France, and Haemmerle.
During the finals, Grondin demonstrated his quick starts, a strength highlighted by Canada Snowboard’s vice-president, Brendan Matthews. However, Chollet matched his pace from the beginning. The final stretch became particularly competitive as all four racers jostled for the lead, especially at the last jump.
Close Race Highlights
As the finish line approached, Haemmerle took advantage of his speed, allowing him to overtake Grondin. “I think maybe if the course was 15 meters shorter, the outcome would have been different,” Grondin remarked after the race. His competitor, Dusek, finished just 12 one-hundredths of a second behind him.
Canada’s Olympic Legacy in Snowboard Cross
With this victory, Canada has accumulated a total of eight Olympic medals in snowboard cross, comprising one gold, four silvers, and three bronzes. Maelle Ricker, Grondin’s current coach, is credited with winning the gold medal in Turin in 2006. Grondin’s new silver medal adds to Canada’s achievements, marking the nation’s sixth medal at these Games.
As Grondin continues to grow in his sport, he reflects on the lessons learned from these nail-biting races, all while looking forward to future competitions. His dedication assures fans that he remains a key figure to watch in upcoming events.
