Big air skiing olympics 2026 sees Forehand lead qualifying, Ruud looks for second medal

Mac Forehand is flying high at Milano Cortina 2026, posting a 93.25 score in men’s freeski big air qualifying earlier today. The Connecticut native sits in second place, chasing France’s Matias Roche who leads with 95.25 points. Meanwhile, Birk Ruud looks to add a second gold medal in big air, just days after his slopestyle triumph.

Forehand Leads American Charge in Freeski Big Air

Mac Forehand delivered an impressive early performance in today’s men’s freeski big air qualifying rounds at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Connecticut skier posted a solid 93.25 score on one of his three allotted runs, putting him in second place heading into the later rounds of competition.

Forehand’s strong start keeps him firmly in contention for the Olympic medal round, which will take place on February 17. The qualifying event format allows each competitor three attempts, with the best two scores counting toward final qualification standings. With 29 athletes competing for just 12 spots in the final, every run counts.

Roche Sets the Pace as Competition Heats Up

France’s Matias Roche currently holds the lead with an impressive 95.25 points, setting a high bar for the remaining qualifiers in the ongoing competition. The gap between Roche and Forehand is tight enough that late performances could shift the standings dramatically as the day progresses.

The men’s freeski big air event has become one of skiing’s most spectacular disciplines, showcasing wild tricks, style, and precision landings. Scores are determined by technical difficulty, execution, and amplitude of the tricks performed during each jump attempt.

Qualification Standings and Advancement Details

“In big air qualifying, each of the 29 competitors gets three runs, and the best two scores count. The top 12 advance to the Olympics final.”

USA Today Olympic Coverage

Ruud Aims for Second Gold in Bug Air Chase

Norway’s Birk Ruud, fresh off his slopestyle gold medal victory on February 10, is now targeting another medal in the big air competition. Ruud won gold in big air at the Beijing 2022 Olympics and is considered a favorite to contend for another podium finish.

The Norwegian freeski star already has one Olympic gold this games, making him one of the medal-rich performers at Milano Cortina 2026. His experience at the highest level and recent victory have set him up well for another strong run in big air, though he faces stiff competition from top qualifiers like Roche and rising American talent like Forehand.

What’s Next for Big Air Competitors at the Winter Olympics?

Athletes advancing from today’s qualifying rounds will prepare for the final competition on February 17, where the best of the best will battle for gold, silver, and bronze medals. The women’s freeski big air final already has its field set, with Canada’s Megan Oldham leading the way after qualifying with 171.75 points on February 14.

For Forehand, the challenge now is to maintain focus through the remaining qualifying runs, lock in his position in the final 12, and prepare mentally for the high-stakes medal round coming up this week. The next two days will be critical as skiers compete for every point to earn their spot in the final.

Sources

• NBC Olympics – Live coverage and qualifying standings for 2026 Winter Olympics
• USA Today – Big air qualifying format and competition details
• Olympics.com – Official results and athlete information

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.