Maïa Schwinghammer Secures Fifth Place in Olympic Moguls Debut
MILAN, 11 February 2026 — Canadian freestyle skier Maïa Schwinghammer has delivered a standout performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, finishing fifth in the women’s moguls final on Wednesday. The 24-year-old Saskatoon native, who entered the competition as a reigning World Championship bronze medallist, narrowly missed the podium in what was her first career Olympic appearance.
A Historic Debut in Milano Cortina
Competing at the Mottolino Snow Park, Schwinghammer qualified for the final round with a score of 77.18 earlier on Wednesday morning. In the decisive medal run, she improved her performance to post a score of 77.61. While the result placed her just outside the medal positions, it solidifies her status as one of the premier moguls athletes in the world.
The gold medal was claimed by Great Britain’s Elizabeth Lemley. Schwinghammer was joined in the event by fellow Canadian Laurianne Desmarais-Gilbert, as the Canadian freestyle team continues to show depth on the international stage.
From the Prairies to the Peaks
Schwinghammer’s journey to the Olympic final is frequently cited as one of the most unlikely in the sport. Growing up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan—a region known for its flat prairie landscape rather than mountainous terrain—she began her skiing career being towed behind a snowmobile. She eventually honed her skills at local hills before rising through the national ranks.
Career Milestones
Before her Olympic debut today, Schwinghammer had already established herself as a consistent threat on the FIS World Cup circuit. Her trajectory over the last year has been particularly steep:
- World Championships: Won the bronze medal in moguls last year.
- World Cup Standings: Finished the previous season ranked third overall in the FIS World Cup moguls standings.
- Olympic Qualification: Secured her spot for Milano Cortina 2026 after missing out on the Beijing 2022 Games, a setback she has frequently cited as a primary motivator for her recent success.
Family Support Goes Viral
Beyond her athletic performance, Schwinghammer has become a human-interest highlight of the 2026 Games. Footage of her father reacting emotionally to her Olympic debut has circulated widely on social media over the last three days. In interviews, Schwinghammer has expressed deep gratitude for her Saskatchewan upbringing and the support system that helped her transition from the flatlands to the world’s highest peaks.
Athlete Profile: Maïa Schwinghammer
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maïa Schwinghammer |
| Date of Birth | 14 September 2001 |
| Age | 24 |
| Hometown | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan |
| Sport | Freestyle Skiing (Moguls) |
| Olympic Result (2026) | 5th Place |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Maïa Schwinghammer from?
Maïa Schwinghammer is from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. She is often celebrated for reaching the elite levels of freestyle skiing despite growing up in a province without mountains.
What was Maïa Schwinghammer’s score in the 2026 Olympic final?
She scored 77.61 points in the final round held on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, which earned her a fifth-place finish.
Has Maïa Schwinghammer won a World Championship medal?
Yes, she won a bronze medal in moguls at the FIS World Championships held last year, which established her as a top contender heading into the Milano Cortina Olympics.
Did she compete in the Beijing 2022 Olympics?
No, Schwinghammer did not qualify for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. She has described missing those Games as a turning point that fuelled her determination to succeed in 2026.