Atle Lie McGrath marked his return to slalom glory with a riveting victory at the World Cup slalom race held at Wengen, Switzerland, completing a remarkable Norwegian sweep of the podium on Sunday. This win was particularly special for the 24-year-old, as it had been three long years since he last stood atop the podium.
The race was filled with excitement as McGrath, who was born in the United States but now competes for Norway, kicked off the day by posting the fastest time during the opening run, leaving fellow competitors in his wake. His performance not only ensured his lead but also showcased his remarkable ski skills, which have garnered admiration from fans and pundits alike.
What made McGrath’s win even more memorable was the way he celebrated it. After crossing the finish line, he executed the signature ski flip made famous by former Swiss downhill star Didier Cuche. This act of homage delighted the crowd and highlighted the bond between the two skiers. "I’m coming for you, Didier!" McGrath exclaimed, beaming at the cameras as he paid tribute to the man he considers one of his heroes.
The competition saw McGrath finishing the race 0.18 seconds faster than his compatriot Timon Haugan, who had initially ranked tenth during the first run. Haugan's impressive turnaround to second place, alongside Henrik Kristoffersen who placed third, marked the first time all podium spots were filled by Norwegian athletes.
After the race, McGrath expressed his emotions, stating, “It means a lot, it’s been three years since my last win. It’s so cool to come down and be a triple Norwegian win. I was so close last year, I’m a bit overwhelmed.” His feelings were palpable, recognizing the weight of this achievement after facing challenges such as not finishing his previous two slalom races.
McGrath had two successful opening runs, the first leading him to victory and the second serving as his tribute to Cuche. “He told me in Kitzbühel last year if I taught his son how to ski slalom he would teach me the Cuche Flip because I’m so bad at it,” he recalled, describing how he expertly executed the flip twice on Sunday.
This season has been notable for Norway’s skiing team, which is seeing success with five race wins by different skiers. While the Swiss team historically dominated the slalom scene, they have not secured a win at Wengen since 1987. McGrath’s triumph signifies the growing strength of the Norwegian team.
Despite cloudy skies replacing the bright conditions from the previous day’s downhill, McGrath and his team maintained high spirits. He noted how he could hear the race commentary as he was poised at the start gate, fueling his determination to win amid his teammates’ strong performances.
Interestingly, former U.S. skier Felix McGrath, Atle’s father, participated in the 1988 Calgary Olympics, adding another layer of legacy to this young skier's achievements.
With this win under his belt, McGrath is now positioning himself as one of the leading contenders for the remainder of the World Cup season. "I’m just going to ski my heart out and put all my emotions on the slope and see what it holds up to," he stated earlier, projecting confidence for his future races.
With McGrath's victory and the Norwegian sweep of the podium firmly establishing their dominance, the excitement builds for what awaits in the upcoming competitions. Fans and aspiring athletes alike look forward to witnessing how this young talent continues to rise, perhaps even aiming for another podium finish soon—this time without the specter of past disappointments.