Birk Ruud of Norway clinched gold in the men’s freestyle skiing slopestyle at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. His stunning final run scored 94.00 points, beating all challengers on February 11, 2026.
Ruud, the 2022 Beijing defending champion, nailed a double cork 1620 and switch double cork 1260 on the Lombardy course. This marked his second Olympic gold, adding to his X Games haul of five golds. Silver went to American Christopher Lillis (92.00), with Finland’s Eetu Pöysti taking bronze (90.50). Over 3,000 athletes from 92 nations competed across 113 events from February 6-22. Freestyle skiing featured high-flying tricks on jumps, rails, and hips. Ruud’s win boosted Norway’s medal tally to 18 golds, leading the standings.
The 27-year-old Ruud has 12 World Cup slopestyle wins. His siblings, Sebastian and Salome, also ski competitively. Training in Norway’s Hafjell prepared him for Italy’s variable weather. The event drew 1.2 million spectators, with sustainable venues like the Cortina jumps. Ruud’s victory inspires young freestylers amid growing popularity of action sports.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What score did Birk Ruud get for gold?
Ruud scored 94.00 on his final run with a double cork 1620 and switch 1260, securing men’s slopestyle gold on February 11, 2026.
2. Who won silver and bronze?
American Christopher Lillis took silver (92.00 points); Finland’s Eetu Pöysti earned bronze (90.50).
3. Is this Ruud’s first Olympic gold?
No, it’s his second—defending 2022 Beijing title. He also has five X Games golds and 12 World Cup wins.
4. When and where were the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Milan-Cortina, Italy, February 6-22, 2026, with 113 events and 3,000 athletes from 92 nations.