Romain Allemand: France’s Slopestyle Prodigy Eyes Olympic Glory in Livigno
LIVIGNO, 18 February 2026 – The spotlight of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics shifts to the Snowpark Mottolino today as 19-year-old French sensation Romain Allemand competes in the Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle final. Following a breakthrough season on the World Cup circuit, Allemand carries the hopes of a nation looking for its first major Olympic medal in the discipline.
A Historic Path to the Final
Romain Allemand secured his place in today’s final during the qualification rounds held on Sunday, 15 February. The teenager from Marseille delivered a composed performance, recording a best score of 76.05 to finish seventh overall. While his compatriot Enzo Valax unfortunately missed the cut for the top 12, Allemand’s progression keeps French podium hopes alive.
The 2025/2026 season has already been a landmark year for Allemand. In January, he made history at the Laax Open in Switzerland, becoming the first French male snowboarder to ever win a Slopestyle World Cup event. This victory, combined with a strong showing at the Big Air World Cup in Chur—where he led early with a spectacular “front 1800 Bloody Dracula”—has established him as a genuine threat to the established podium regulars from North America and Japan.
The Final Challenge
The final, scheduled to begin at 12:30 local time, sees Allemand facing a field of elite competitors, including American Jake Canter and Japanese standout Taiga Hasegawa. Despite the high stakes, Allemand has remained characteristically relaxed, telling reporters after his qualification run that his primary objective remains “the medal.”
Observers note that Allemand’s technical variety and “fearless” approach to the rails have made him a rider that the favourites are wary of. After the disappointment of missing the Big Air final earlier in these Games, the Red Bull-backed athlete appears focused on redemption on the Slopestyle course.
Key Athlete Profile: Romain Allemand
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 19 (Born 2006) |
| Nationality | French (Marseille) |
| Discipline | Snowboard Slopestyle & Big Air |
| Major Achievement | First French male to win a Slopestyle World Cup (Laax 2026) |
| Olympic Qualification Rank | 7th (Score: 76.05) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle final?
The final is scheduled for Wednesday, 18 February 2026, starting at 11:20 with the main medal runs commencing around 12:30 at the Livigno Snowpark.
How did Romain Allemand qualify for the final?
Allemand finished 7th in the qualification round on 15 February 2026. He successfully landed a run scored at 76.05, placing him comfortably within the top 12 riders who advanced to the final.
What makes Romain Allemand’s 2026 season historic?
Before the 2026 Olympics, Allemand became the first French rider to win a Men’s Slopestyle World Cup event during the Laax Open. This victory ended a long drought for French freestyle snowboarding at the elite international level.
Who are Allemand’s main rivals in the final?
He faces stiff competition from international stars such as Mark McMorris (Canada), Su Yiming (China), and Taiga Hasegawa (Japan), the latter of whom recently made history with the first cab 2160 in competition.