Norway’s McGrath distraught after missing out on Olympic slalom medal
Norwegian skier Atle Lie McGrath was left distraught after crashing out of the men’s slalom while leading, missing the chance for an Olympic gold medal.
The 24-year-old was the last racer down the Stelvio course, having set the fastest pace in the first run.
A medal appeared within his sights until he straddled a gate, instantly ending his contention for the podium.
In a raw display of emotion, the Norwegian tossed his ski poles over the safety netting before climbing the perimeter fencing.
He walked away from the course into the nearby woods, where he was later checked on by medical staff.
McGrath eventually returned to the finish area but departed without speaking to the media.
Emotional toll of Olympic pressure
While Switzerland’s Loic Meillard claimed the victory, the focus remained on the devastated first-run leader.
The incident compounded a difficult Games for the skier, who had been mourning the recent death of his grandfather.
McGrath had worn a black armband during the competition to honour his late relative, who passed away on the day of the opening ceremony.
The slalom specialist had been under immense pressure following a challenging fortnight in Beijing.
‘Just heartbreaking’
Teammate Timon Haugan, who finished fourth, described the turn of events as painful to watch.
“He’s doing everything perfect,” Haugan said.
“He did a very good first run, put himself in a position to win the Olympic gold.”
“He does everything right and then that happens in 15 seconds. It is just heartbreaking.”
Bronze medallist Henrik Kristoffersen defended his compatriot’s outburst, having suffered a similar fate at the Pyeongchang Games in 2018.
“That’s allowed. This is sports. What are sports without the emotions?” Kristoffersen asked.
“In the end, it’s not going to make or break Atle’s career. He is a great skier.”
“If he keeps going like he’s going, he will have great success for the future.”
Even the victor, Meillard, acknowledged the brutal nature of the discipline.
“The beauty of slalom is that when it works out it’s beautiful,” the Swiss champion said.
“I was definitely sorry for him, but at the end, all the times he won when I skied out – that’s part of the game.”