Day One – Team Ireland at Milano Cortina ‘26
Dubliner Cormac Comerford launched Team Ireland’s Olympic campaign today, officially becoming Ireland’s 34th Winter Olympian as he competed in the Men’s Downhill at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Racing on the iconic Stelvio Slope, the Alpine skier recorded a time of 2:04.40 to finish 34th, marking Team Ireland’s first appearance of the Games.
The Glenageary skier was the final athlete to start in the downhill field, tackling what is widely regarded as the most challenging slope in world skiing, in demanding conditions. Starting last brought added pressure, with the track heavily worn by the time Comerford pushed out of the gate, but he successfully negotiated the course to bring his Olympic debut safely to the finish.
After the race the 29-year-old said,
“It’s an incredible feeling to make my Olympic debut today in this weather, on this slope. To bring it down Stelvio is a huge achievement, coming from the artificial slope back home. There’s a huge sense of pride. I made a few mistakes in the run, it felt smoother in training, but that’s racing and I’m really proud to have brought it down.”
Reflecting on the challenge of starting last, he added,
“Everyone’s eyes are on you, and the track is probably as destroyed as it can be. It’s definitely more challenging, but the snow grip team did an amazing job keeping the conditions good and safe. It’s a pleasure to ride this slope. It’s renowned on the World Cup circuit as one of the toughest slopes in the world so it’s great that I’ve had the opportunity to run this track, in these conditions, at this time of the year.”
The race capped a long journey for Comerford, who began skiing at the age of eight on the dry slopes in Kilternan, his Olympic dream was planted at the age of ten.
“It’s been a really long journey with lots of bumps in the road. I’m excited to be here and looking forward to putting down my best performances. If I’m proud, I hope I can make Ireland proud as well.”
Today’s race was won by Switzerland’s Franjo von Allmen in a time of 1:51.61, ahead of host nation Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni (1:51.81) and Dominik Paris (1:52.11).
Cormac will return to competition on 11 February for the Super-G event, and his family is set to travel out to support him for his favoured slalom and giant slalom events.
Next in action for Team Ireland is Thomas Maloney Westgård, who competes in the Cross-Country 10k + 10k Skiathlon tomorrow.
Please contact heather@olympicsport.ie for interview requests and for moving images of training, which will be available over the coming weeks.
RESULTS – SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY:
Alpine Skiing, Men’s Downhill Final, Cormac Comerford 34th with a time of 2:04.40.
SCHEDULE DAY 2 – SUNDAY 8 FEBRUARY (All times are Irish times – Italy is one hour ahead)
11:30 Cross-Country Skiing, Men’s 10km + 10km Skiathlon Final, Thomas Maloney Westgård