51 Days Until The Winter Olympics: Troy Podmilsak Clinches 2026 Olympic Berth in Men’s Freeski Big Air

For Troy Podmilsak, the slopes of Steamboat, Colorado, weren’t just another competition venue, they were the final path to the lifelong dream of making the Olympics in the men’s freeski big air.  

With the pressure mounting and the eyes of the U.S. ski community fixed on his every move this past weekend, Podmilsak didn’t just compete; he dominated. By securing a decisive victory at the World Cup stop in Steamboat Springs, the American freeskier mathematically locked up his spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the upcoming 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games. 

Podmilsak Leads a U.S. Surge in Qualification

The victory at Steamboat wasn’t an isolated incident for Podmilsak. It marked his second win in the designated selection events, the first coming at a big air competition in China earlier this season. These victories are critical because the selection process for the U.S. team is notoriously rigorous. 

Because a slopestyle contest was cancelled earlier in the year, this event in Colorado was only the second of four opportunities for athletes to make their case. By winning both, Podmilsak removed all doubt, clinching his automatic berth for both the big air and slopestyle teams.

But Podmilsak wasn’t the only American making noise on home soil. His teammate, Konnor Ralph, turned the event into a U.S. showcase by finishing second. Ralph, just 22 years old, vaulted himself into the Olympic conversation with a performance that would have won almost any other day. 

While Podmilsak has now secured his ticket, the battle for the remaining spots is heating up. Reigning Olympic slopestyle champion Alex Hall is already pre-qualified, leaving only one automatic spot up for grabs. Ralph’s second-place finish sets the new standard that other hopefuls, including Colby Stevenson and Mac Forehand, will have to chase as the tour moves toward slopestyle events.

Women’s Team Faces Heartbreak and New Hope

While the men celebrated a one-two punch, the women’s side of the competition offered a stark reminder of the sport’s unforgiving nature. Rell Harwood, a three-time X Games medalist, looked poised for a podium finish after a stellar first run where she landed a double cork 1260. However, the fine line between glory and disaster in big air became evident on her second run. 

Harwood suffered a hard crash while attempting her next trick, forcing her to withdraw from the contest. She finished eighth, a result that doesn’t reflect her talent but highlights the brutal physical toll of the qualification process.

In the void left by the veterans, a new face emerged. Avery Krumme, a 17-year-old rookie, finished fourth. Krumme, who was born in Canada but recently switched nationalities to represent the United States, is proving to be a formidable addition to the team. While her fourth-place finish fell just short of the podium needed for automatic selection consideration, it was the top result for any U.S. woman at the selection events so far.

Summary of Major Qualification Updates

• Troy Podmilsak Qualifies: With wins in China and Steamboat Springs, Podmilsak has mathematically secured his spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.
• U.S. Men Dominate: The U.S. took the top two spots in men’s big air, with Konnor Ralph finishing second behind Podmilsak, putting Ralph in strong contention for the final automatic roster spot.
• Women’s Results: Canada’s Naomi Urness won gold. The top American finisher was 17-year-old Avery Krumme in fourth place, while contender Rell Harwood withdrew after a crash.
• Olympic Events: The athletes are competing for spots in the Slopestyle and Big Air disciplines for the upcoming Winter Olympics.