The Olympics are arguably the biggest stage in the world for Alpine Skiing, with many more people paying attention than would throughout the FIS World Cup season. It’s no surprise then that the skiers feel the pressure with their home countries, and the whole world, watching.
Norway skier Atle Lie McGrath was leading the pack after the first run of the Men’s Slalom finals, with the Gold Medal well within his sights. As the first place finisher in the first run, McGrath the last to go in the second run. The run looked good, right up until he straddled a gate and DNFed. In one moment, he lost both his medal opportunity and his temper, putting down a legendary meltdown for the history books.
McGrath’s meltdown included throwing his poles, storming off the course and laying in the snow. Don’t judge the racer, though. In an instant, his Olympic medal opportunity was over after doing nearly everything right. McGrath’s grandfather passed the day of the Opening Ceremony, as well, putting the skier in an even harder situation.
