Winter Olympics 2026: Birk Ruud Targets Second Gold in Men’s Freestyle Skiing Big Air Final
Birk Ruud Big Air Final: Norway’s Birk Ruud is aiming to win his second Olympic gold medal in freestyle skiing as he prepares to compete in the men’s Big Air final at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Tuesday, 17 February. The defending Olympic champion will headline a highly competitive final at Livigno Snow Park.
Ruud, who previously won Olympic gold in slopestyle, performed strongly in the qualification round. He secured third place overall and did not need to use his final attempt, showing his confidence and consistency ahead of the final.
Mac Forehand Leads Qualification Standings
Mac Forehand of the United States finished qualification in first place. The reigning X Games champion continues to show excellent form and currently shares the top position in the Big Air World Cup standings with Ruud.
Austria’s Matej Svancer secured second place during qualification. The Youth Olympic champion from Lausanne 2020 will be aiming to win his first Olympic medal in this event.
Strong Competition Expected in Big Air Final
The final will also feature reigning world champion Luca Harrington of New Zealand, who qualified in fifth place. Harrington is among several top athletes expected to challenge for the gold medal.
Tormod Frostad of Norway also impressed during qualification. Despite suffering an early fall, he managed to recover and recorded the highest score in a single run.
Another major contender is Troy Podmilsak, the 2023 world champion and 2024 X Games champion. He has demonstrated his ability to deliver strong performances in important competitions.
Final Set to Showcase Top Freestyle Talent
With multiple world champions, Olympic champions, and top-ranked athletes competing, the men’s Big Air final at Livigno Snow Park is expected to be one of the most competitive freestyle skiing events of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Birk Ruud will look to defend his Olympic title and secure another gold medal, while several strong challengers aim to achieve Olympic success.
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