2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Freestyle Skiing Big Air Results: Medal Winners & Event Highlights
The Men’s Freestyle Skiing Big Air competition at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics proved to be one of the most thrilling and technically advanced freestyle skiing events ever seen at the Olympic Games. Held at the spectacular Livigno Snow Park in Valtellina, Italy, the event featured the world’s top freeskiers competing for Olympic medals in front of a global audience.
Known for its gravity-defying tricks and high-risk aerial maneuvers, the Big Air discipline challenges athletes to perform complex rotations, stylish grabs, and perfectly executed landings after launching from a massive ramp. At the 2026 Winter Olympics, competitors pushed the boundaries of freestyle skiing with innovative trick combinations and exceptional performances throughout both the qualification and final rounds.
Medal Winners – Men’s Freeski Big Air Final
| Rank | Athlete | Country | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | Birk Ruud | Norway | Gold |
| 🥈 2nd | Mac Forehand | United States | Silver |
| 🥉 3rd | Matěj Švancer | Austria | Bronze |
Norway’s Birk Ruud delivered a gold-medal-winning performance that combined high amplitude with technically difficult trick executions. His ability to maintain control and land cleanly under pressure gave him the edge over a competitive field of international athletes.
American freestyle skier Mac Forehand earned the silver medal after producing consistently strong runs throughout the competition. His technical precision and smooth execution helped him remain among the top contenders from qualification to the final round.
Austria’s Matěj Švancer secured the bronze medal, marking a significant milestone for Austrian freestyle skiing at the Olympic level. His performance was highlighted by confident landings and impressive rotational tricks that earned high scores from the judging panel.
Qualification Round Recap
The qualification round saw intense competition among elite freestyle skiers from across the globe. Athletes were allowed to perform multiple runs, with their best scores determining whether they advanced to the final.
Mac Forehand led the qualification standings with an outstanding combined score of 183.00, demonstrating early dominance and establishing himself as a strong medal contender heading into the final round.
Other notable athletes who advanced to the final included:
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Luca Harrington (New Zealand)
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Timothé Sivignon (France)
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Ulrik Samnøy (Norway)
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Dylan Deschamps (Canada)
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Troy Podmilsak (United States)
Each of these competitors showcased impressive technique and creativity as they attempted to secure a place among the top 12 finalists.
Final Competition Format and Scoring
In the Big Air final, each athlete was given three runs to perform their best tricks. Judges evaluated performances based on several key criteria:
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Trick Difficulty
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Execution
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Amplitude
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Landing Quality
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Overall Impression
Only the best two scores from each competitor were counted toward their final total. This format encouraged athletes to take calculated risks while maintaining consistency in order to achieve podium-worthy scores.
Performance Highlights from the Final
The final round of the Men’s Big Air competition featured numerous standout moments as athletes executed advanced aerial tricks including double corks and triple rotations. Birk Ruud’s gold-medal-winning routine included high-difficulty maneuvers combined with clean landings that impressed both judges and spectators.
Mac Forehand demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout his runs, maintaining composure under Olympic pressure. Meanwhile, Matěj Švancer’s stylish execution and confident approach enabled him to secure Austria’s place on the Olympic podium.
The competition remained tightly contested until the final runs, with multiple athletes pushing the limits of freestyle skiing in pursuit of Olympic glory.
Evolution of Olympic Freestyle Skiing Big Air
Since its introduction to the Winter Olympics, Freestyle Skiing Big Air has grown rapidly in popularity. The 2026 edition of the event highlighted the sport’s ongoing evolution, with athletes performing increasingly complex tricks that reflect advancements in training techniques and equipment.
The global reach of freestyle skiing continues to expand, with competitors from Europe, North America, and Oceania demonstrating the sport’s rising international appeal. Events like the Milano Cortina Big Air competition play a key role in inspiring the next generation of freestyle skiers.
Legacy of Milano Cortina 2026
The Men’s Freestyle Skiing Big Air final at the 2026 Winter Olympics will be remembered as one of the most competitive and entertaining freestyle events of the Games. Norway’s continued dominance in freestyle skiing, the United States’ strong podium presence, and Austria’s breakthrough performance contributed to a memorable Olympic contest.
As the freestyle skiing community looks ahead to future international championships and the 2030 Winter Olympics, the performances delivered in Livigno will undoubtedly influence the progression of the sport for years to come.
