Olympic Slalom Chaos: Favorites Fall Amidst Blizzards

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games have been marked by significant upsets and challenges, particularly during the men's alpine skiing slalom. Blizzard conditions on Monday severely impacted the competition, leading to 52 out of 96 participating skiers being unable to complete their initial runs due to visibility and treacherous snow.

Norway's Atle Lie McGrath, considered a medal favorite, dominated the first run, holding an impressive 59-second lead. However, his Olympic dreams unraveled in the second run when he straddled a gate, resulting in disqualification and visible frustration, including throwing his ski poles.

Switzerland's Loïc Meillard was awarded the gold medal, with Fabio Gstrein of Austria taking silver and Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway securing bronze. This unpredictable outcome reflects a broader trend at the Games, where several top athletes have faced unexpected difficulties.

American stars Chloe Kim and Ilia Malinin also experienced challenging moments. Snowboarder Chloe Kim fell during her final halfpipe run, settling for silver instead of a potential third consecutive gold. Figure skater Ilia Malinin, nicknamed the 'Quad God,' finished eighth after two falls in the men's free skate, surprising many. These instances underscore the immense pressure and critical execution required at the Olympic level, where even the best can falter.