Team SA teenager Thomas Weir was one of 49 competitors who were unable to complete the brutal Alpine Skiing Men’s Slalom course at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Monday. The 17-year-old South African was given a placing of 82nd on the first run of the event, where only 44 of the starters managed to register a time.
The slalom is the shortest Alpine ski race, with athletes typically finishing in a time of 50-60 seconds and the most number of turns. Skiers have to ski down a course, weaving through a series of gates set up in quick succession until they reach the finish line. Skiers have to touch the gates as they pass through them, so they wear special protection on their hands, legs, and face.
Monday’s two runs were held on the Stelvio course which is 691m long and has a vertical drop of 203m.
