Eileen Gu Survives Crash, Guseli Shines in Milano Cortina Snowboard Action
The 2026 Winter Olympics have exploded into life in Milano Cortina and snowboarding fans are witnessing a dramatic start to the Games. Day one delivered heartbreak, redemption and a glimpse of potential historic medals.
Chinese superstar Eileen Gu got the world holding its breath early in the women’s slopestyle qualifiers. The two-time Olympic gold medallist crashed in her first run, a near-catastrophe that could have ended her campaign before it really began. But Gu responded with remarkable composure, landing a strong second run that scored 75.30 points, securing her spot in the final. She admitted later that slopestyle qualifiers always bring nerves and that her strategy for the finals would be completely different. It’s a reminder of the razor-thin margins at this level, where even the smallest slip can be the difference between glory and disappointment.
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Meanwhile, the Australians have reason to cheer. Valentino Guseli, just 17, pulled off a trick in the Big Air qualifiers that he had only ever attempted once before, earning himself a place in the men’s final. Guseli’s performance marks a potential historic moment—Australia has never claimed a medal in Big Air and his daring run shows he could be in contention. With only hours to prepare, his composure under pressure speaks volumes about his maturity and focus at such a young age.
Across the slopes, Switzerland dominated the men’s downhill, with Franjo von Allmen capturing the first gold of the Milano Cortina Games. The competition was fierce and the Italian crowd roared as Giovanni Franzoni narrowly missed out by just two-tenths of a second. Veteran skier Dominik Paris also secured his first Olympic medal in a career spanning five Games, a testament to resilience and persistence at the highest level.
This opening day underscores the drama and unpredictability of the Winter Olympics. From Gu’s near disaster to Guseli’s audacious Big Air run, these athletes are reminding the world that Olympic snowboarding is not just about speed or skill—it’s about nerves, courage and split-second decisions that can define careers.
As the Games unfold, eyes will remain on these key stories. Will Gu turn her rocky start into another podium finish? Can Guseli make history for Australia? And how will the downhill events continue to shake up the medal table? Stay tuned for every twist and turn from Milano Cortina, as the 2026 Winter Olympics promise more moments of triumph, tension and unforgettable athletic feats.
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