Gwyneth ten Raa's Strong Second Run Secures Top-30 Olympic Finish

As Luxembourg alpine skier Gwyneth ten Raa continues to make her mark on the international stage, her performance in the women's giant slalom at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics stands out as a highlight of her career. Competing on February 15, 2026, at the iconic Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the 20-year-old athlete delivered a composed and determined effort across both runs, culminating in an impressive overall 30th-place finish. This result marks a significant step forward for the Olympic skier from Luxembourg, especially following her debut at Beijing 2022 where she did not finish her races.

The women's giant slalom, one of the premier technical events in alpine skiing, demands precision, power, and consistency under intense pressure. Gwyneth ten Raa, representing Luxembourg with pride, entered the competition with solid preparation and the experience gained from years of racing on the FIS circuit. Her journey to this moment began at age three when she first discovered her passion for skiing, leading to her rise through national and international competitions.

First Run: Building Momentum

In the opening run, Gwyneth ten Raa clocked a time of 1:06.60, positioning her in 34th place after the initial descent. The first run on the challenging Tofane course tested athletes with its steep sections, technical gates, and variable snow conditions typical of Olympic competition. Despite sitting just outside the top 30, her time demonstrated control and speed in key sections, setting a foundation for improvement. For a small nation like Luxembourg in a sport dominated by larger skiing powerhouses, advancing through to the second run already represented a achievement in itself.

Gwyneth's ability to stay focused and execute her line effectively showcased the maturity she has developed since her first Olympics. As a Luxembourg skiing representative, she carried the hopes of her supporters back home, and this solid start kept her firmly in contention.

Second Run: The Decisive Push

The second run proved to be the defining moment of her day. Dropping into the course with determination, Gwyneth ten Raa posted an impressive time of 1:12.85. This strong performance allowed her to climb four positions overall, moving from 34th to 30th in the final standings. The improvement highlighted her ability to adapt, maintain composure, and push harder when it mattered most.

The second run often separates the contenders, as fatigue, pressure, and course changes come into play. By skiing cleanly and aggressively, Gwyneth ten Raa shaved valuable time relative to her standing and finished just 5.95 seconds behind the gold medalist, Italy's Federica Brignone, who claimed victory in dominant fashion. This top-30 result in an elite Olympic field of the world's best alpine skiers is a breakthrough for the young Luxembourg athlete, proving her capability to compete at the highest level.

Her overall combined time reflected resilience and tactical skiing, earning her valuable FIS points (45.01 from the event) and boosting her confidence heading into future races. For fans following Gwyneth ten Raa FIS results, this performance underscores her ongoing progression since turning heads as the youngest competitor in Beijing 2022.

Significance for Luxembourg Skiing

Finishing 30th in the Olympic giant slalom is more than just a number—it's a source of national pride for Luxembourg. As one of the smallest nations competing in winter sports, achievements like this inspire young athletes and highlight the dedication required to reach the Olympic stage. Gwyneth's result in Milano Cortina 2026 builds on her earlier milestones, including top-10 world rankings in her birth year category and podium finishes in FIS races.

Supported by her club Hiversport, equipped with Atomic skis and boots, and backed by her team, Gwyneth continues to raise the profile of Luxembourg skiing on the global map. Her journey from a passionate three-year-old to a twice-Olympian embodies perseverance and the spirit of dreaming big while training harder.

For more details on her career and results, visit her official FIS profile or her Olympics page.

Follow Gwyneth ten Raa's journey on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates, training insights, and upcoming race announcements. Check her latest results on the FIS website and stay tuned for more exciting performances from this talented Luxembourg alpine skier!