Daniela Maier Crowns Career with Olympic Ski Cross Gold in Livigno
LIVIGNO, 20 February 2026 – Germany’s Daniela Maier has reached the pinnacle of freestyle skiing, capturing the gold medal in the women’s ski cross at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. In a high-octane final held on the slopes of Livigno, the 29-year-old delivered a flawless performance to outpace her rivals and secure her first Olympic title.
A Dominant Display on the Italian Snow
Maier, who entered the competition as a formidable contender following her bronze medal in Beijing 2022, showed intent from the opening heats. She was “absolutely dominant” throughout the day, winning her semi-final with significant clearance before taking control of the Big Final. The German athlete led from the front, navigating the technical jumps and banked turns of the Livigno course with precision.
The victory marks a significant moment for German winter sports, as Maier becomes the “new queen of ski cross.” Her triumph follows a period of consistent form on the World Cup circuit, including recent podium finishes in Val di Fassa. For Maier, this gold medal serves as a definitive upgrade from the controversial bronze she received four years ago after a lengthy video review process.
Heartbreak for France as Berger Sabbatel Finishes Fourth
While Germany celebrated, there was a sense of “enormous disappointment” for the French contingent. Marielle Berger Sabbatel, competing in her fifth and final Olympic Games at the age of 36, fought her way into the Big Final but ultimately finished in fourth place—the “chocolate medal” position. Despite a valiant effort to overtake the leaders in the final stretch, the French veteran could not break onto the podium, finishing just behind Sweden’s Sandra Naeslund.
Milano Cortina 2026: Women’s Ski Cross Results
| Position | Athlete | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Daniela Maier | Germany |
| Silver | Fanny Smith | Switzerland |
| Bronze | Sandra Naeslund | Sweden |
| 4th Place | Marielle Berger Sabbatel | France |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Olympic medals does Daniela Maier have?
Following her victory on 20 February 2026, Daniela Maier now possesses two Olympic medals: a gold from Milano Cortina 2026 and a bronze from Beijing 2022.
Who won the silver and bronze medals in the 2026 women’s ski cross?
The silver medal was claimed by Switzerland’s Fanny Smith, marking her third consecutive Olympic podium. The bronze medal went to the defending champion from 2022, Sandra Naeslund of Sweden.
Where was the ski cross event held for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The freestyle skiing events, including the women’s ski cross, were hosted in Livigno, Italy, as part of the broader Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic programme.