Oriol Cardona Col became the first Spaniard since 1972 to become an Olympic champion // Photo: epaimages.com
Cardona Kohl covered the 610-meter distance with a 70-meter drop in 2 minutes 34.03 seconds. Second place went to Russia’s Nikita Filippov, competing in neutral status. He crossed the finish line 1.52 seconds behind the winner. Thibaut Anselme of France rounded out the top three, 2.31 seconds behind the Olympic champion.
The victory of the Spanish representative in ski mountaineering allowed the national team to open the medal count. This victory was a historic one: the last time a Spanish athlete became Olympic champion was 54 years ago, at the Winter Olympics in Sapporo (Japan).
On the 13th competition day, the women’s sprint final also took place, which also brought Spain a medal. Marianne Fatton of Switzerland won (2:59.77), Frenchwoman Emilie Arrop was second (2.38 seconds behind) and Spain’s Ana Alonso Rodriguez was third (+10.45 seconds).
For the first time at the Winter Games
In July 2021, ski mountaineering was included in the program of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Ski mountaineering combines elements of alpine mountaineering, cross-country skiing and alpine skiing. Athletes, carrying their equipment, ascend to an elevation on skis or run and then descend through natural terrain.
There are three sets of medals in this sport at the Olympics in Italy. Medals have already been awarded in the women’s and men’s sprints, and a mixed relay is scheduled for February 21.
