Switzerland dominates Winter Olympics Day 3 with freestyle and combined skiing gold
MILAN, Italy — Swiss skier Mathilde Gremaud successfully defended her gold medal in women’s freestyle slopestyle at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Gremaud secured the victory after her top rival, Eileen Gu of China, fell during her final run. Gu took home the silver medal, while Canada’s Megan Oldham earned the bronze.
Switzerland continued its golden run in the men's team alpine combined. The duo of Franjo von Allmen and Tanguy Nef captured the gold medal, marking the second gold of the Games for von Allmen.
In a rare finish, a pair from Austria and a second Swiss duo tied for the silver medal.
In mixed doubles curling, host nation Italy advanced to the semifinals after edging out the United States 7-6.
Other events scheduled for later today include women’s ice hockey, luge, and speed skating.
Saigon Sentinel Analysis
Switzerland consolidated its grip on the Winter Games leaderboard on Day 3, propelled by a breakout performance from Franjo von Allmen. With two gold medals secured in quick succession, von Allmen has emerged as the definitive face of the Swiss delegation’s early dominance, providing the kind of high-stakes ascent that defines the Olympic narrative.
The volatility of elite competition was nowhere more evident than in the women’s slopestyle event. Mathilde Gremaud’s victory was catalyzed by a rare and unexpected fall from frontrunner Eileen Gu, a stark reminder of the razor-thin margins between podium glory and technical failure. At this level of play, a single tactical error can reshape the entire competitive landscape, reinforcing the unpredictable nature that sustains the Games' global appeal.
Beyond the field of play, these Games are increasingly serving as a litmus test for the intersection of athletics and geopolitical discourse. The revelation that Gus Kenworthy faced threats following his public criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy underscores a shifting paradigm: the modern athlete is no longer a localized competitor but a global stakeholder. This trend suggests that the Olympic platform is being permanently recalibrated, as athletes leverage their visibility to engage with sensitive policy issues despite the professional and personal risks involved. From the podium to the political arena, the Games now present a complex, multi-dimensional portrait of contemporary sport.