Daniela Maier Becomes Olympic Champion in Ski Cross - Daniela Maier Claims Germany's First Olympic Ski Cross Gold in Historic Win
Daniela Maier has made history by winning Germany's first-ever Olympic gold medal in ski cross. The victory came at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games in Livigno, marking a high point after her dramatic bronze in Beijing four years earlier. Her dominant performance secured Germany's only medal in freestyle skiing at this year's event.
Maier entered the competition as a strong favourite, having topped the qualifying round and won recent World Cup races. Her confidence showed in the final, where she overtook Switzerland's Fanny Smith and Sweden's Sandra Näslund to claim gold.
The win carries extra significance after her turbulent experience in 2022. Initially denied a bronze medal in Beijing due to a disputed ruling, Maier later had it reinstated by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. This time, there was no doubt—her flawless run left no room for controversy.
Germany's other ski cross athletes—Luisa Klapprott, Leonie Bachl-Staudinger, and Veronika Redder—were knocked out in the round of 16. Maier's triumph now stands as the country's sole medal in freestyle skiing at these Games, and its only gold in ski cross to date.
The gold medal adds to Maier's growing legacy in the sport. After her hard-fought bronze in 2022, this victory confirms her status as one of Germany's top ski cross athletes. Her success in Livigno also marks a milestone for German freestyle skiing, securing its first Olympic gold in the discipline.
