Norway’s Tormod Frostad Wins Olympic Gold in Big Air Freeskiing

Livigno, Italy – Tormod Frostad of Norway secured the gold medal in the men’s big air freeskiing event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, narrowly defeating the United States’ Mac Forehand in a thrilling final on Tuesday night. Canada’s Dylan Deschamps finished seventh in the 12-man field.

A Tightly Contested Final

Frostad led for much of the competition, showcasing two impressive jumps. However, Forehand briefly took the lead with his second jump, setting the stage for a dramatic final run. Frostad responded with a flawlessly executed jump, reclaiming the top spot and securing his first Olympic gold medal.

Final Results

Frostad’s winning score was 195.50 points, edging out Forehand’s 193.25 points. Matej Svancer of Austria claimed the bronze medal with a score of 191.25 points. Deschamps finished seventh with 137.50 points.

Frostad’s Journey to Gold

This victory marks a significant turning point for Frostad, who struggled in previous competitions. He finished last in the 2022 Beijing Olympic final and faced challenges in subsequent World Championships. A fourth-place finish at the X Games in January hinted at his improving form.

“In Beijing, I was really young and kind of confused where I wanted to go,” Frostad said. “But after Beijing, I fell extremely in love with skiing and also competing. So I was working since then to get to this moment… And I figured out my way, and I’m beyond happy to have done that.”

Forehand’s Performance

Mac Forehand delivered a strong performance, landing two impressive triple cork 2160s. While his tricks featured more rotation, the judges ultimately favored Frostad’s technicality, including his nose-butter takeoffs and unique rotations.

“I knew I had to one-up one of the tricks and I deliberated with my coaches for like five minutes at the top about what I should do,” Forehand said. “The level of tricks I’ve been doing tonight were insane… The top five guys all landed insane tricks that would win any other contest day.”

Deschamps’ Olympic Debut

Despite a fall and a broken ski during his opening run, Quebec City’s Dylan Deschamps persevered to finish seventh in his Olympic debut.

Looking Ahead

Frostad’s gold medal win solidifies his position as a rising star in the world of freeskiing. The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue to deliver thrilling moments, showcasing the skill and dedication of athletes from around the globe.