Alessandro Hämmerle Triumphs in Snowboard Cross at 2026 Winter Olympics Final
Alessandro Hämmerle of Austria claimed victory in the men’s snowboard cross at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, successfully defending his title on February 12, 2026. His win came in a thrilling final, narrowly defeating Canada’s Eliot Grondin by just 0.03 seconds. Austrian teammate Jakob Dusek took the bronze medal, while French rider Aidan Chollet finished fourth.
Exciting Showdown in the Final
The final featured a highly competitive atmosphere, showcasing past rivals Hämmerle and Grondin, alongside rising star Chollet. Chollet, who was the fastest qualifier from the semifinals, led for much of the race. However, he was overtaken by Grondin as they approached the final stretch.
Key Details from the Final
- Date: February 12, 2026
- Location: Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
- Gold Medal: Alessandro Hämmerle (Austria)
- Silver Medal: Eliot Grondin (Canada)
- Bronze Medal: Jakob Dusek (Austria)
- Fourth Place: Aidan Chollet (France)
- Winning Margin: 0.03 seconds
A Long-standing Rivalry
The competition between Hämmerle and Grondin has consistently delivered thrilling performances. Previously, during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Hämmerle won by a mere 0.02 seconds. Grondin has distinguished himself in recent years, winning the 2025 World Championships and the 2024/25 Snowboard Cross Crystal Globe.
After the final, Hämmerle announced plans to retire post-2027 World Championships, expressing gratitude for his Olympic gold. He acknowledged the pressure that comes with such a prestigious win, stating, “I worked so hard, especially after the first Olympic medal. To fulfil it is just surreal.” Hämmerle wishes the best for future Olympians, emphasizing the significance of this achievement in his career.
