DAILY BREAKDOWN 3 - Four events, six nations and multiple firsts define another landmark day at Milano Cortina 2026

Feb 09, 2026·ilovesnow

Franjo VON ALLMEN (SUI) and Tanguy NEF (SUI) win Men's Team Combined in Alpine Skiing ©Naoki Morita/FIS

Another day at Milano Cortina 2026 delivered a compelling mix of drama, precision and breakthrough performances, as established champions defended titles, new Olympic formats crowned their first winners and unexpected names seized the moment.

Across four ski and snowboard events, athletes from six nations reached the podium, with two Olympic title defenses, the inaugural Men’s Team Combined medals, and further confirmation of Japan’s growing strength in freestyle snowboarding. Switzerland led the day with two gold medals, while rare outcomes including a silver tie in Alpine Skiing and a shared bronze in Ski Jumping, highlighted the fine margins at the elite level.

From cliff-hanging finals in Livigno to a breakthrough victory in ski jumping by an athlete without a prior World Cup win, the results underlined the depth, unpredictability and global reach that continue to define Milano Cortina 2026.

Storylines of the day

Freestyle Skiing - Women's Freeski Slopestyle

Olympic champion Mathilde Gremaud (SUI) successfully defended her women’s freeski slopestyle title at Milano Cortina 2026, edging Eileen Gu (CHN) in a high-quality final packed with progression and precision. Gremaud delivered when it mattered most, combining control and creativity to stay on top in one of the Games’ most anticipated showdowns. The victory confirmed her status as the benchmark performer on the Olympic stage.

It was a really tough battle with Eileen. She pushed me to push myself as well for sure. – Mathilde Gremaud (SUI)

Mathilde Gremaud (SUI) ©Christian Stadler/Action Press

Alpine Skiing - Men's Team Combined

Franjo von Allmen and Tanguy Nef (SUI) combined supreme speed and technical skill to claim the inaugural Alpine Skiing Men’s Team Combined Olympic title. The new event saw nations’ best downhill and slalom skiers work in tandem, showcasing versatility and strategic depth. It was a defining moment for a discipline making its Olympic debut.

I knew it was a very, very good run from Tanguy. I was happy he made it to the finish and in the end that it works out with the gold medal is just amazing. – Franjo von Allmen (SUI) on winning Team Combined gold

The six medallists after the Team Combined @FIS/ActionPress/Frank Heinen/voigt

Snowboard - Women's Snowboard Big Air

Japan’s Kokomo Murase (JPN) claimed Olympic Big Air gold at Milano Cortina 2026, completing a title set that now includes World Championships and X Games crowns. Her win extended Japan’s dominance in the discipline following a historic men’s 1–2 earlier in the Games. Zoi Sadowski Synnott (NZL) took silver to become the first female snowboarder with four Olympic medals.

It's a gold medal that brings me immense joy. The moment when winning Olympic gold, something I've long aspired to, became a reality. – Kokomo Murase (JPN)

Ski Jumping - Men's Normal Hill Individual

Philipp Raimund (GER) was crowned Olympic champion in a sensational Men’s Normal Hill final at Milano Cortina 2026, delivering one of the most emotional moments of the ski jumping programme. Raimund’s victory marks his extraordinary breakthrough on the sport’s biggest stage, combining precision and nerve under the unique pressures of Olympic competition. The podium battled was fierce, with several top contenders pushing for medals and illustrating the deep field in men’s jumping this season.

There was nothing in my head before the final jump! I was super nervous before the first jump but then I knew that it was enough. So then I knew I just had to do the same again - it made me calm. – Philipp Raimund (GER)

Through My Eyes | A Special Letter

I Love Snow an Olympic campaign that shines a light beyond results and podiums, focusing on the personal journeys that lead athletes to the Olympic stage.

In Through My Eyes / A Special Letter, selected competitors share intimate reflections on preparation, pressure and what it truly means to compete at the Games.

Today’s feature highlights Megan Oldham (CAN), whose journey to freestyle skiing began long before she ever clipped into skis. Growing up, she trained in gymnastics and figure skating, drawn to the artistic expression of both sports — and, in gymnastics, the pure thrill of flight.

Gymnastics probably taught me the most. The biggest thing was my sense of air awareness. Before skiing, I didn’t even realize I had it. But once I started taking tricks onto snow, it felt easier to spot where I was in the air. – Megan Oldham (CAN)

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I Love Snow

“I LOVE Snow – Passion Beyond Limits” brings fans closer to the athletes and stories that power snow sports across every FIS discipline - Olympic and Paralympic alike. The promise: authentic, emotional storytelling that turns moments into lasting fandom beyond Milano Cortina 2026.

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