Kirsty Muir Wins X Games Gold Ahead of 2026 Winter Olympics
Kirsty Muir has captured gold in the freeski slopestyle event at the X Games held in Aspen. The British freestyle skier, only 21 years old, secured victory with an impressive score of 93.66 during her first run. This score ultimately went unmatched by her competitors.
X Games Performance
Canadian athlete Naomi Urness finished in second place, earning a score of 85. Swiss skier Mathilde Grimaud took third, with a score of 80.00. Muir’s triumph marks a significant achievement for Great Britain, as she is the third British athlete to win gold at the X Games, following successes by Mia Brookes and Zoe Atkin in previous events.
Event Details
- Event: Freeski Slopestyle at the X Games
- Location: Aspen, Colorado
- Date of Event: Delayed by 24 hours due to poor weather
Muir also earned a silver medal in the big air competition with a score of 94.00. Mathilde Grimaud took first place in that event, while Canada’s Megan Oldham secured bronze.
Personal Reflections
After winning the gold, Muir expressed her excitement, stating, “It’s an absolute dream come true.” She acknowledged the challenges she faced this season, including a knee and shoulder injury that required surgery. “To come here and win is insane,” she added.
Preparing for the Future
Muir first gained recognition at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, becoming Team GB’s youngest competitor at age 17. With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina approaching, Muir and her teammates set their sights on high performance.
- Olympics Date: February 6 to 22, 2026
- Team GB Medal Target: 4 to 8 medals
UK Sport has set an ambitious goal. Achieving the upper target of eight medals would represent a historic performance for Team GB. Currently, around 55 British athletes are expected to compete in Italy, with significant funding of over £32.5 million devoted to winter sports training and preparation.
Other athletes expected to excel include Zoe Atkin, snowboarder Mia Brookes, curler Bruce Mouat, and skeleton racer Matt Weston. The hopes are high as they aim for success and to elevate Great Britain’s presence in winter sports.
