Full Breakdown
Megan Oldham Wins Bronze in Women's Freeski Slopestyle at Milano Cortina 2026
2/10/2026, 4:41:49 PM
Overview of the Event
Megan Oldham, a 24-year-old freestyle skier from Parry Sound, Ontario, secured a bronze medal in the women's freeski slopestyle event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games on February 9, 2026. This achievement marks her first Olympic medal and contributes to Canada's medal tally, which now stands at two during these Games. Oldham's final score of 76.46 was enough to edge out Great Britain's Kirsty Muir, who finished with 76.05.
Performance Highlights
Oldham's journey to the podium was marked by resilience. After scoring 69.76 in her first run, she faced a significant setback during her second run, where she crashed on the final jump. Despite the fall, she managed to regroup and delivered her best performance in the third run, showcasing her technical skills with back-to-back double cork 1260s and a clean 900 tail grab. Her final run secured her position on the podium, narrowly defeating Muir.
Key Competitors
The competition was fierce, featuring prominent athletes such as Switzerland's Mathilde Gremaud, who won gold with a score of 86.96, and China's Eileen Gu, who took silver with 86.58. Gremaud's victory marked her successful defense of the Olympic title she won in Beijing 2022. Oldham's performance was particularly notable given the high caliber of her competitors, including Gu, who had previously won three medals at the Beijing Games.
Official Statements & Responses
After her victory, Oldham expressed her pride and relief, stating, "Honestly, that was a really hard battle after that second run. I fell and really hurt my quad. At the top, I tried to stay calm... I just need to land one more run and that’s all I gotta do." Her mother, Bonnie Oldham, also shared her confidence in Megan's abilities, emphasizing the support from family and friends during the competition.
Criticism & Opposition
While Oldham's performance was celebrated, the intense pressure of competing against top athletes like Gu and Gremaud highlighted the challenges faced by emerging talents in freestyle skiing. Critics noted that the sport's demanding nature requires not only physical skill but also mental fortitude, especially after experiencing a fall.
What's Next
Following her bronze medal win, Oldham is set to compete in the big air qualifying event, where she hopes to add another medal to her collection. Her success at the Milano Cortina Games may also inspire a new generation of freestyle skiers in Canada, as the nation continues to invest in winter sports.
Conclusion
Megan Oldham's bronze medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics not only signifies a personal triumph but also reflects Canada's ongoing legacy in winter sports. Her determination and skill in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration, reinforcing the importance of resilience in competitive athletics.
