Valentino Guseli Qualifies for Big Air Final at Milano Cortina 2026
Australian snowboarder Valentino Guseli has qualified for the big air final at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, following his last-minute entry into the competition.
Guseli's participation resulted from the withdrawal of Canadian athlete Mark McMorris, who sustained an injury during a training session.
Guseli Secures Final Spot
Valentino Guseli, 20, secured his spot in the big air final by placing 12th in the qualification round. After his initial two jumps left him outside the top 12, Guseli executed a final jump scoring 91.50 with a switch backside 1980 tail grab.
This performance moved him into 12th position, one point ahead of Norwegian competitor Marcus Kleveland.
The big air final is scheduled for Saturday night.
Last-Minute Entry Details
Guseli's entry into the big air competition for the 2026 Winter Olympics came after the withdrawal of Canadian Mark McMorris. Guseli was initially an alternate for the event, having previously narrowly missed direct qualification.
He had already qualified for the snowboard halfpipe discipline, where he will compete alongside Scotty James. His inclusion in the big air event means he will now compete in an additional discipline.
Guseli commenced competition as Australia's first participant at Milano Cortina 2026, with big air qualifiers beginning on Friday at 5:30 am (AEDT). He competed among 29 other athletes for 12 available spots in the final.
Mark McMorris's Withdrawal
Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris withdrew from the big air competition after sustaining a heavy fall during a training session. The incident involved McMorris catching his edge after landing, which necessitated his assistance off the mountain and subsequent hospitalization.
Canadian authorities described the event as a "freak accident."
McMorris, a three-time Olympic bronze medalist in slopestyle and a three-time big air World Cup winner, was considered a medal contender for the event. He is expected to make a full recovery and compete in the slopestyle event later in the week.
Athlete Profiles
Valentino Guseli is a two-time Olympian and has achieved three World Cup titles on the park and pipe circuit, including a big air title in Edmonton in 2022. During the 2022/23 season, he became the first male athlete to win World Cup medals across all three park and pipe disciplines in a single season.
His eligibility for the big air qualification was also supported by his halfpipe qualification and a top 30 performance in big air on the World Cup circuit this season. Guseli previously finished sixth in the halfpipe at the Beijing Olympics and 13th in a big air event in Beijing in December.
Mark McMorris's career includes three Olympic bronze medals in slopestyle and three World Cup victories in big air.