Irish Skier Ben Lynch Makes History at Winter Olympics
Livigno, Italy – February 20, 2026 – Ben Lynch has become the first Irish skier to qualify for a Winter Olympics final, competing in the freestyle skiing halfpipe event. The 23-year-vintage, originally from Dublin but now based in Calgary, finished 11th in the qualifiers and ultimately placed eighth in today’s final with a top score of 75.00. Lynch described his achievement as “mindblowing” and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete. US skier Alex Ferreira won gold, Estonia’s Henry Sildaru took silver and Canada’s Brendan Mackay earned bronze.
Irish Skier Ben Lynch Makes Winter Olympics History
Dublin-born Ben Lynch has etched his name into the history books, becoming the first Irish skier to qualify for a final at the Winter Olympics. The remarkable achievement unfolded in the men’s halfpipe event at Livigno Snow Park in Valtellina, Italy, on Friday, February 20, 2026.
From Vancouver to the Olympic Stage
Lynch, who relocated to Vancouver, Canada, at the tender age of two, secured his spot in the final after finishing 11th overall in the qualification rounds. Initially sitting in 14th after his first run with a score of 57, he dramatically improved to 11th with a second run of 75.75. The top 12 of the 25 competitors advanced to the final, which is scheduled for 6:25 PM and will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player.
A Journey Marked by Resilience
The 23-year-ancient’s path to the Olympics hasn’t been without its challenges. He spent the lead-up to the Games recovering from a knee injury, demonstrating incredible determination and resilience. Lynch transitioned to halfpipe skiing at the age of 19, after initially competing in slopestyle and big air. He previously competed on the Canadian development pathway before switching to represent Ireland in 2024.
“Mind-Blowing” – Lynch Reflects on Historic Qualification
Following his qualification, Lynch expressed his elation. “I’m feeling unbelievable, I’m so excited, really grateful to be here and to make the final is the cherry on top,” he stated. He also highlighted the risk he took in his second run, attempting a “right 12” – a maneuver he hadn’t practiced in training. “To land that in my run was unbelievable. I skied better than I ever have today. I’m officially an Olympian and officially a finalist which is just mind-blowing.”
Did you know? Ben Lynch currently trains under coach Rex Thomas in Calgary, Canada.
Impact on Irish Winter Sports
Lynch’s success is expected to have a significant impact on the development of winter sports in Ireland. His qualification for the final is a landmark moment, potentially inspiring a new generation of Irish skiers and snowboarders. He is the fourth member of Team Ireland to compete at the Games.
Challenges Faced During the Competition
The event itself faced a delay due to adverse weather conditions and snowfall. The competition, originally scheduled for Thursday, was postponed to Friday. New Zealand’s Fin Melville Ives, a top medal hopeful, unfortunately crashed during qualification, falling on both runs.
Looking Ahead: The Final
All eyes will be on Lynch as he competes in the final tonight. His performance will be closely watched by fans in Ireland and around the world. He previously recorded a 23rd-place finish at the Calgary World Cup in January 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What discipline does Ben Lynch compete in? He competes in freestyle skiing, specifically the halfpipe discipline.
- Where was Ben Lynch born? He was born in Rathmines, Dublin.
- When did Ben Lynch commence representing Ireland? He began representing Ireland in 2024.
- What is the broadcast schedule for the final? The final will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player at 6:25 PM.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on emerging athletes like Ben Lynch – they often represent the future of their sport and offer exciting storylines.
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