Benjamin Karl Makes History as Oldest Winter Olympic Gold Medalist With Parallel Giant Slalom Victory

Benjamin Karl of Austria etched his name into Olympic history on Sunday, becoming the oldest individual gold medalist in Winter Olympic history at 40 years and 115 days with a thrilling victory in the men's snowboard parallel giant slalom at Milano Cortina 2026. The Austrian veteran delivered a composed performance under pressure, overcoming an early deficit in the final to defeat South Korea's Kim Sang-kyum by 0.19 seconds at Livigno Snow Park. Karl's triumph marked his second Olympic gold medal and fourth career Olympic medal, making him the first athlete in history to win four Olympic medals in snowboarding.

The final showcased Karl's decades of experience and tactical brilliance. Despite trailing Kim through much of the race, the Austrian remained patient and calculated, waiting for his opportunity. That moment arrived midway down the course when Kim made a critical error, taking a wide turn that cost him precious momentum. Karl seized the opening immediately, attacking the remainder of the course with aggressive precision to pull ahead and secure the gold medal.

Karl's age-defying performance has redefined expectations for longevity in snowboarding, a sport traditionally dominated by younger athletes in their twenties. His continued excellence at 40 years old speaks to his exceptional physical conditioning, technical mastery, and mental resilience. The Austrian has adapted his training regimen over the years, focusing on injury prevention and recovery while maintaining the explosive power required for parallel giant slalom competition.

The victory celebration became an instant Olympic moment when Karl ripped off his jersey in jubilation, revealing his athletic physique and letting out a roar of triumph. The spontaneous display of emotion resonated with fans worldwide, capturing the pure joy and relief of achieving Olympic glory after years of dedication and sacrifice. For Karl, the gold medal represented vindication after years of competing at the highest level and overcoming the inevitable questions about when he might retire.

In the women's parallel giant slalom, Czechia's Zuzana Maderova claimed a surprise gold medal ahead of Austria's Sabine Payer, who took silver, and Italy's Lucia Dalmasso, who secured bronze. The Czech snowboarder's victory marked a stunning upset, as defending two-time Olympic champion Ester Ledecka failed to reach the medal podium in her quest for a historic three-peat. Maderova's win highlighted the depth of competition in women's snowboarding and the unpredictable nature of parallel racing.

Karl's legacy extends beyond his Olympic achievements. He has been a pioneering figure in snowboard racing, helping to elevate the profile of parallel giant slalom and mentoring younger athletes throughout his career. His longevity has inspired a generation of snowboarders to think differently about career trajectories, proving that with proper training, experience, and passion, athletes can compete at the highest level well into their thirties and forties. As he celebrated on the podium with Austria's national anthem playing, Karl cemented his status as one of the greatest snowboard racers in Olympic history.