Marianne Fatton Makes History as First Olympic Ski Mountaineering Champion

Marianne Fatton has made history at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics by winning the inaugural women’s ski mountaineering sprint event. The 30-year-old Swiss athlete crossed the line in 2:59.77, taking gold ahead of France’s Emily Harrop (+2.38) and Spain’s Ana Alonso Rodriguez (+10.45).

This new Olympic event combines demanding uphill climbs with an exciting downhill finish, putting each person’s technical skill and endurance to the test. Fatton was part of the leading group, taking control during the second transition – mirroring what happened during her 2025 World Championship win.

Emily Harrop Made the Early Pace

Emily Harrop had posted the fastest time of the day going into the final and led early, but slower transitions let Fatton through. She held on for silver, her first Olympic podium, maintaining the consistency she showed across the heats and semi-finals.

Fatton’s win is bigger than one race. Ski mountaineering is brand new to the Olympics, and she’s the first champion it’s ever produced. Whatever comes next for the sport, that’s not something anyone can take away from her.

Best Bookmakers for United States

up to 5000 USDT Visit

Visit

Up to 300 USD Visit

Rodriguez’s Story Also Momentous

Ana Alonso Rodriguez’s bronze also provided a heartwarming side-story – the kind that makes sport worth following. Four months ago, she was struck by a car during training. She skipped surgery, committed to getting to Milano-Cortina, and delivered a medal.

It’s Spain’s first of these Games and only the sixth Winter Olympic medal in the country’s history, making her just the fourth Spaniard to podium at a Winter Games this century.