Athlete Lie McGrath got the victory she wanted at the Olympics to dedicate to her long-legged grandfather
Article by Roxana Fleşeru – Published on Sunday, 08 March 2026 23:02 / Updated on Sunday, 08 March 2026 23:17
Athlete Lie McGrath (25 years old) prevailed in the Kranjska Gora slalom stage of the World Cup and came close to the Small Crystal Globe of the event, with one stage before the end of the season. At the Milan-Cortina Olympics, the Norwegian was extremely affected by the fact that he missed the second leg of the slalom because he wanted very much to achieve a success in memory of his grandfather who died at the start of the race.
Athlete Lie McGrath was one of the characters of the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games. After missing the second leg of the slalom, he threw away the sticks and went to retreat into the forest, having reached its edge, he lay down on the snow.
He then explained with tears in his eyes why he was so upset, because he desperately wanted a victory in memory of his grandfather who died at the start of the Olympics. But sport always gives you chances, the Norwegian returned to the World Cup, and on Sunday he prevailed in the slalom in Kranjska Gora, a victory that also brings him closer to the final victory in the ranking of the event, one stage before the end of the season.
Athlete Lie McGrath on her way to the forest PHOTO Guliver/GettyImages
He clocked 1:38.85 to beat fellow countryman Henrik Kristoffersen (1:38.86) and Brazil's Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (1:38.89).
Athlete Lie McGrath: “A win I'll always remember”
McGrath led after the first heat thanks to a smooth and relaxed performance, but the pressure increased in the afternoon heat when his former roommate from Norway, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who now competes for Brazil, was second in both the race and overall in the slalom and compatriot Henrik Kristoffersen had an incredible performance. Atle kept his composure, as he had not done in the Olympic race, and prevailed by a tiny margin.
Atle Lie McGrath in action PHOTO Imago Images
After the end of the race, Atle wrote on social networks: “Someone was watching me from Above. I think I know who it was. For Fafao. This sport is so cruel and beautiful at the same time. Thank you for this battle, Henrik Kristoffersen and Lucas Pinheiro Braathen. It's a victory I will always remember.”
Ahead of the final slalom stage of the season in Norway at the end of the month, McGrath has 552 points and is followed by Lucas Pinheiro Braathen on 511.
Atle Lie McGrath and Lucas Pinheiro will fight to the end for victory in the Braathen World Cup PHOTO IMago Images
McGrath has been the most in-form skier of the season with wins at Alta Badia and Wengen, but was looking to rebuild his confidence here after an Olympics that did not go to plan. “I was not calm, I was very stressed and nervous all day. I think the added pressure of the Little Crystal Ball was definitely something new for me, I haven't been in a fight like that in the last two races.
It was a new experience, and new experiences are tiring. I was very nervous, but the fact that today I had hundredths of a second on my side was an incredible feeling”, concluded the Norwegian.
