Can Kenworthy's Sixth Place Compete with Ferreira's Freeski Halfpipe Gold?

At the 2026 Winter Olympics, USA's Alex Ferreira clinched the gold medal in the men's freeski halfpipe final, marking a significant achievement in his career. Great Britain's Gus Kenworthy, a well-known figure in the sport, finished in sixth place, showcasing his talent but falling short of the podium. This event highlighted the competitive nature of freeskiing on a global stage.

Last updated: 08 February 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

The men's freeski halfpipe final at the 2026 Winter Olympics concluded with Alex Ferreira taking gold, solidifying his status as one of the top athletes in the sport. The competition was fierce, with many talented skiers vying for medals. Gus Kenworthy's sixth-place finish, while disappointing for his supporters, still reflects his significant experience and skill in a highly competitive field.

Key takeaways

Alex Ferreira of the USA won gold in the men's freeski halfpipe final.
Gus Kenworthy from Great Britain finished in sixth place.
The event showcased the rising talent in the freeskiing discipline.

Timeline: how we got here

Leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics, the freeski halfpipe event has seen a surge in popularity and competitiveness. Key milestones include:

March 2022: Alex Ferreira wins the X Games gold medal, signalling his return to top form.
December 2025: Gus Kenworthy secures a podium finish at the World Cup event, building momentum heading into the Olympics.
February 2026: The Winter Olympics take place, culminating in Ferreira's gold and Kenworthy's sixth-place performance.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The final results of the men's freeski halfpipe event have just been announced, with Alex Ferreira's performance earning him gold, a title that further establishes him in the sport and adds to his accolades.

What was already established

Prior to the Olympics, Ferreira was considered a strong contender based on his previous performances, while Kenworthy, with his experience and fanbase, was also expected to perform well. Both athletes have been central figures in the freeskiing community.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the outcome may not directly affect UK households, the visibility of British athletes like Kenworthy in high-profile events can inspire increased interest in winter sports, potentially influencing participation rates in skiing and related activities.

Businesses and jobs

The popularity of winter sports can lead to increased demand for skiing holidays and equipment sales in the UK, thus benefiting businesses within the sports tourism and retail sectors.

Policy and regulation

Success in international competitions may lead to increased funding and support for winter sports programmes in the UK, facilitating the development of emerging athletes and infrastructure for training.

Numbers that matter

1: Gold medal won by Alex Ferreira at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
6: The position finished by Gus Kenworthy in the same event.
10: The number of countries represented in the men's freeski halfpipe final, showcasing the global nature of the sport.

Definitions and jargon buster

Freeski Halfpipe: A competitive snowboarding and skiing event where athletes perform tricks while navigating a U-shaped course.
Olympics: An international multi-sport event held every four years, featuring summer and winter sports.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect increased media coverage of winter sports in the UK, along with potential discussions around funding for winter sports development programmes following the Olympics.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, there may be initiatives to encourage youth participation in skiing and related sports, inspired by the Olympics.

Signals to watch

Funding announcements from UK sports bodies aimed at winter sports development.
Participation figures in skiing and snowboarding programmes across the UK.

Practical guidance

Do

Consider exploring local winter sports clubs or training facilities.
Stay updated on upcoming competitions and events to support British athletes.

Don’t

Don’t underestimate the impact of elite athletes on grassroots participation.
Don’t ignore opportunities to engage with winter sports via local events or community initiatives.

Checklist

Research local skiing and snowboarding clubs.
Check for upcoming winter sports events in your area.
Follow social media pages of winter sports athletes for updates.
Consider taking lessons if interested in skiing or snowboarding.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the results of the Olympic events provide a snapshot of current performance levels, the competitive nature of the sport means that rankings and results can fluctuate rapidly. Upcoming competitions and athlete training regimens will heavily influence future performances.

Bottom line

The success of Alex Ferreira at the 2026 Winter Olympics reinforces the competitive spirit of freeskiing, while Gus Kenworthy’s performance, albeit not medal-winning, contributes to the ongoing narrative of British participation in elite winter sports. As winter sports gain traction in the UK, the next few months may see a rise in interest and investment in these activities.

FAQs

Who won the gold medal in the men's freeski halfpipe final?

Alex Ferreira from the USA won the gold medal in the men's freeski halfpipe final at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

What was Gus Kenworthy's final position in the event?

Gus Kenworthy from Great Britain finished in sixth place in the men's freeski halfpipe final.

How does this event impact the future of winter sports in the UK?

The visibility of British athletes in such events can inspire greater participation and potential funding for winter sports development programmes in the UK.