Olympics 2026: Harutyunyan Disqualified in One of the Toughest Slaloms of the Tournament

Armenian alpine skier Harutyun Harutyunyan finished the slalom race at the 2026 Olympic Games without an official result. Although he crossed the finish line, it was later confirmed that he had missed a gate during his run. According to the rules, he was disqualified.

A total of 96 skiers started the race, but the course proved extremely challenging — 56 competitors failed to finish. With additional disqualifications, the number of athletes without a result increased even further.

Another Armenian athlete, Yiannos Kouyoumdjian representing Cyprus, posted the 34th result.

Final Slalom Results:

• Loïc Meillard (Switzerland)

• Fabio Gstrein (Austria)

• Henrik Kristoffersen (Norway)

Drama in the Second Run

The second run turned into real sporting drama. Norwegian skier Atle Lie McGrath led after the first run and was considered the main favorite for gold. However, in the second run he made a major mistake and failed to finish.

After exiting the course, the visibly emotional athlete left the finish area and walked into a forested section near the stadium. McGrath appeared completely devastated and did not return for a long time, marking one of the most dramatic moments of the competition.

The slalom at the 2026 Olympics will be remembered not only for the high number of DNFs, but also for the intense battle that kept fans on edge until the very last competitor.

Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who had previously won the giant slalom at the same venue, also failed to finish.

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