Gwyneth ten Raa Delivers Impressive First Run at Milano Cortina 2026

Gwyneth ten Raa, the dedicated Luxembourg alpine skier, showcased her preparation and fighting spirit during the women's giant slalom first run at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. On February 15, 2026, at the iconic Olimpia delle Tofane course in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, she tackled the demanding Olympic stage with focus and positivity.

Preparation and Mindset Before the Start

Gwyneth arrived at the Olympic giant slalom well-prepared after consistent training and competition experience. Despite the pressure of the Olympic environment, she felt nervous just moments before the start—a natural response that she successfully channeled into determination. She decided to go for it fully, embracing the challenge head-on.

This mental strength reflects her growth as an athlete since her debut at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, where she gained valuable experience at a young age.

The First Run: Solid Performance on the Tofane Course

Starting with bib 40, Gwyneth executed the first run with a strong overall feeling on the snow. She clocked an impressive time of 1:06.60, finishing the run in 34th position after the opening leg. The time placed her only +3.37 seconds behind the leader at that stage, a respectable gap on a technical and icy giant slalom course.

While she made some small mistakes during the descent, these minor errors cost a bit of time but did not overshadow her solid skiing. Gwyneth noted that the first run felt like it passed by very quickly—a positive sign of being in the flow and fully engaged with the course. Her performance demonstrated good speed and control, especially considering the high level of competition at the Olympics.

The first run set a promising foundation, allowing her to build confidence heading into the second leg later that day.

For full race details and splits, check the official results on the Olympics women's giant slalom run 1 page or her FIS profile.

What Made This Olympic Moment Special

Compared to her experience at the Beijing 2022 Olympics four years earlier, this time the biggest difference was having her family present to support her. Their presence added an extra layer of motivation and joy, making the Olympic atmosphere even more meaningful for the young Olympic skier from Luxembourg.

Competing on one of the most historic venues in alpine skiing, Gwyneth represented Luxembourg skiing with pride and composure.

Building on Early Success and Looking Forward

This strong first-run showing in the Olympic giant slalom highlights Gwyneth's continued progress as a Gwyneth ten Raa FIS competitor. At just 20 years old (born May 11, 2005), she skis on Atomic equipment as part of the JGL Ski Alpine Racing Team A.S.B.L., steadily climbing through international ranks with determination.

Her ability to stay composed under pressure and deliver a competitive time in the first run underscores her potential and sets an inspiring example for aspiring skiers in Luxembourg and beyond.

Stay tuned for more from Gwyneth as she continues her journey on the world stage.

Follow Gwyneth ten Raa on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates and visit her official website to track her results and journey. Cheer on this talented Luxembourg alpine skier in her future races!