Oriol Cardona crowned Olympic ski mountaineering champion in Milano Cortina 2026

The Spanish skier Oriol Cardona has made history this Thursday by being proclaimed Olympic champion in the discipline of individual sprint of ski mountaineering. During the final held in the Stelvio Ski Centre, within the framework of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic GamesThe Catalan athlete dominated the race from start to finish, returning Spanish sport to the top of a winter Olympic podium after more than half a century.

Absolute domination at the Stelvio Ski Centre

Since the beginning of the competition, Oriol Cardona He confirmed his status as favorite. After an explosive start, the Spanish athlete took the lead in the first transitiona position he maintained with authority against his international rivals. His technical execution on the ascents and a second transition Executed to perfection, they allowed him to face the final stretch with a decisive advantage, crossing the finish line with an official time of 2:01.5.

This victory represents a milestone for the national delegation, as Cardona He becomes the first athlete in history to win Olympic gold in this specific men's sprint event, recently added to the official Games program.

Category / Event	Athlete / Protagonist	Result / Brand
Men's Individual Sprint	Oriol Cardona	Gold Medal (2:01.5)
Men's Individual Sprint	Ot Ferrer	5th place (Olympic Diploma)
Next event (Mixed Relay)	Oriol Cardona & Ana Alonso	February 21 (13:30 p.m.)

The role of the Spanish delegation and the success of Ot Ferrer

The day began with excellent feelings for the Spanish team. In the qualifying rounds, Oriol Cardona and fellow Ot Ferrer They recorded the two fastest times in their heat, securing their passage to the semifinals. In that round, Cardona He finished second in his heat, while Ot Ferrer secured his place in the final as lucky loser.

In the final round for the medals, while Cardona He distanced himself to secure the gold metal, Ot Ferrer He completed a very solid performance, finishing in fifth position, which gives it a meritorious Olympic diploma in his absolute debut at an Olympics.

Historical milestone: Spain had not won a winter gold medal for 54 years.
Winning strategy: Perfect transitions and a steady pace on the climb.
Next challenge: Mixed relay competition next Saturday.

Key points and frequently asked questions about Olympic gold in ski mountaineering

How important is this gold medal for Spanish sport?

It represents the return of Spain to the top of the podium in a Winter Olympics after a 54-year drought, joining the select list of historic medalists such as Paquito Fernández-Ochoa o Queralt Castellet.

How was Oriol Cardona's technical performance in the final?

The Spanish champion based his victory on a decisive start and a second flawless transition which allowed him to open up an insurmountable gap for his pursuers, finishing with a time of 2:01.5.

When will the Spanish ski mountaineering team compete again?

The next appointment will be on Saturday February 21 from the 13:30hWhere Oriol Cardona y Ana Alonso will participate in the test of mixed relay.