Run Two
As the order of entry reversed, for many of the racers they hoped their fortunes would too in their attempts to push for the podium. Schwarz (AUT/Atomic) would have been disappointed with his first run but was the pick of the first 15 racers with a combined 2:27.28 recorded.
There was despair for both Alex Vinatzer (ITA/Atomic) and Fabian Gratz (GER/Fischer) who both recorded DNF’s one after another, nine remaining in the pursuit of podiums. Atle Lie McGrath was the first to displace Schwarz, a moment of joy for the Norwegian after a tough week away from the snow. Second, third and fourth after the first race was the Swiss trio of Odermatt, Meillard and Thomas Tumler (SUI/Stoeckli).
Tumler moved into first with a stunning second run, a 0.37s lead ahead of McGrath. Then came Meillard, who displaced his compatriot with a 0.28s gap. And then it was down to Odermatt and Pinheiro Braathen. 2022 Olympic champion Odermatt, who teamed alongside Meillard for a silver in the team combined, threw everything into both runs and guaranteed himself a medal by moving into first by 0.59s with just the Brazilian to go.
Chasing a combined time of 2:25.58, Pinheiro Braathen decided today was the day to make history. He was left a picture of shock upon crossing the line, tears of joy as he collapsed to the ground after 2:25.00 put him on top of the world.