Winter Olympics skier throws poles in fit of rage as wild explosion caught by BBC cameras | Other | Sport

Winter Olympics ace Atle Lie McGrath couldn’t hide his frustration following the final run of the men’s slalom alpine skiing final at the Milano-Cortina Games. McGrath had started the second of two runs as the course leader, and was dreaming of taking gold on the Italian slopes. 

It didn’t go to plan for the Norwegian, who missed one of the gates early on in his run, and was thrust out of the medal contention as a result. Understandably, the disappointment was all-consuming, as McGrath was spotted letting out some choice words before launching his ski poles over the fence in a fit of rage.

Thankfully, there were no spectators or staff in the immediate proximity, with the poles landing safely in a heap of snow. But McGrath wasn’t done there, as he trudged off the course before finding a spot next to the nearby forest where he lay down to reflect on his mistake.

McGrath had been carrying an added weight with him, given his grandad passed away just before the Games got underway. Speaking in a press conference ahead of the Olympics, the 25-year-old remarked: “I’ve just had some of the toughest days of my life. I miss my grandpa so much. He brought me here and he’s also the reason I’m driving tomorrow. He would have wanted it this way. I’ll give it my all for him, for Norway.”

British ace Dave Ryding, who was taking part in his final race before retiring, commented on the incident, saying: “[The race was] exciting – that’s slalom there. Anyone can win really. I think Atle [McGrath] has been through a lot and I hope he’s alright.

“First and foremost, I hope he’s all right mentally because he’s been through the wars the past week. I will certainly forgive him for throwing his pole and I’ll go and get it and I need to.”

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