Alex Ferreira Clinches Olympic Freeski Halfpipe Gold
In a remarkable display of skill, Alex Ferreira of the United States secured the Olympic gold medal in men’s freeski halfpipe at the Milan Cortina Games. The competition took place on Friday in Italy, and Ferreira’s performance dazzled spectators and judges alike.
Alex Ferreira’s Olympic Triumph
The 31-year-old athlete from Aspen, Colorado, executed a flawless routine that featured five consecutive double corks and spins in varying directions. His performance peaked during the third run, where he improved his score by transitioning from a 720 to a 1080 on the third hit, earning him a score of 93.75. This followed a strong second run, where he scored 90.50.
Competition Overview
- Gold Medal: Alex Ferreira (USA) – 93.75
- Silver Medal: Henry Sildaru (Estonia) – 93.00
- Bronze Medal: Brendan Mackay (Canada) – 91.00
- 4th Place: Nick Goepper (USA)
- 5th Place: Birk Irving (USA)
- 6th Place: Gus Kenworthy (Great Britain)
- 10th Place: Hunter Hess (USA)
Ferreira expressed immense joy after his victory, stating, “Best moment of my life. Easily. Blown out of the water, not even close.” He credited his success to the hard work and support from those around him.
Notable Competitors
Estonia’s Henry Sildaru, aged 19, became the first male Olympic freestyle skier from his country to win a medal, taking silver with a score of 93.00. Canadian athlete Brendan Mackay secured bronze with a score of 91.00, finishing strong on his final run of the event.
Meanwhile, Ferreira’s teammate, Nick Goepper, narrowly missed a podium finish, ending in fourth place. Other notable performances included Birk Irving and Hunter Hess at fifth and tenth place, respectively. Veteran skier Gus Kenworthy finished sixth in what could be his final Olympic appearance at age 34.
Future Aspirations
Following a perfect season in 2023-24, Ferreira’s win at the Olympics solidified his status as a leading athlete in freeskiing. He had previously claimed victory in several prestigious events, including the X Games and multiple World Cups.
His pursuit of Olympic gold was a long-held dream. In a 2025 interview, he expressed his unwavering belief in achieving this milestone. “It will be the best, most glorious moment of my life,” he stated. This gold medal represents not only an individual triumph but also the culmination of years of dedication and effort.
Injury Updates
In the lead-up to the final, reigning world champion Fin Melville Ives from New Zealand faced a setback, crashing twice during qualifying rounds. Despite his injuries, he remained conscious and stable, thanks to the support of his family.
As Ferreira celebrates his momentous win, the freeskiing community looks forward to future competitions, building on the excitement generated at the Milan Cortina Games.
