Mandy
American freestyle skier Alex Ferreira finally completed his Olympic journey with a spectacular gold medal in the men’s halfpipe event. After earning silver and bronze medals in his previous Olympic appearances, the 31-year-old athlete captured the missing prize to complete what his mother proudly called “finishing the rainbow.”
Ferreira’s victory marked the first American win in two weeks of intense halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air competitions at Livigno Snow Park. The achievement was not only historic for him personally but also a major milestone for Team USA during the Games.
A Night of High Drama in Livigno
The competition unfolded as a tense, all-evening showdown between Ferreira and two top rivals: Henry Sildaru of Estonia and Brendan Mackay of Canada.
Ferreira secured the gold with a remarkable winning score of 93.75. Mackay delivered a strong final run but fell short by just 2.75 points, finishing with 91 points.
Sildaru claimed the silver medal, showcasing his versatility as an athlete who also competes in slopestyle and big air, similar to star skier Eileen Gu.
When Mackay’s final score appeared, confirming Ferreira’s victory, the American skier dropped to one knee and smiled broadly, realizing he had achieved the dream that had long eluded him.
“This is the best moment of my life,” Ferreira said after the event.
The crowd erupted in celebration, and even his competitors had nothing but praise. Mackay described Ferreira as “an incredibly nice guy,” emphasizing that his personality stands out just as much as his athletic ability.
Support From Fellow U.S. Ski Stars
Among those celebrating Ferreira’s victory was two-time Olympic champion David Wise, who attended despite not qualifying for the Olympic team this year. Wise had been ranked eighth globally in halfpipe this season, demonstrating the depth and competitiveness of the American squad.
Also present was Nick Goepper, a three-time Olympic medalist in slopestyle who switched to halfpipe in pursuit of his first Olympic gold. Goepper’s final run was dramatic and daring.
He launched himself high above the halfpipe but crashed heavily onto his back before sliding down to the bottom.
Though he avoided serious injury, Goepper narrowly missed the podium after Mackay’s last run pushed him from third to fourth by just two points.
Ferreira praised Goepper’s bravery, saying, “To go for it in that moment took serious guts. He is a real man.”
Hunter Hess and Off-Slope Controversy
The halfpipe competition also saw emotional moments beyond athletic performance. American skier Hunter Hess made headlines during qualifying when he formed an “L” shape with his fingers — a gesture referencing criticism he received earlier in the Games.
On February 8, former President Donald Trump publicly criticized Hess after the skier stated, “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.” The comment led to online backlash and threats toward Hess.
Despite the controversy, Hess delivered a solid qualifying run but ultimately finished 10th in the final. He declined interviews afterward.
Ferreira’s Unique Personality and “Hotdog Hans”
Outside of competition, Ferreira is known for his playful alter ego, “Hotdog Hans.” The character features Ferreira wearing prosthetics to resemble an 80-year-old man performing advanced ski tricks like truck-driver grabs and 1080 spins.
The entertaining series is featured on his YouTube channel and aims to bring humor to the sport.
“I’m just trying to bring some fun and laughter into the world,” Ferreira explained.
An Unstoppable Season Leading to Gold
Ferreira’s Olympic gold did not come by chance. In 2024, he achieved an extraordinary 7-for-7 sweep in World Cup events, an undefeated streak rarely seen in freestyle skiing due to the global depth of talent.
Athletes from the United States, Canada, and Estonia consistently compete at elite levels, making dominance in the sport extremely difficult.
Olympic silver medalist Gus Kenworthy reflected on Ferreira’s journey, noting that peaking too early in an Olympic cycle can be risky. However, Ferreira delivered what Kenworthy described as “one of the best runs I’ve seen him do in a long time, maybe ever.”
When Ferreira landed the final trick of his gold-winning run, he swung his right ski pole — his signature celebration — as the crowd roared.
Moments later, he stood atop the podium while the “Star-Spangled Banner” played for the first time at Livigno Snow Park during the Games. His family, including his mother Colleen Ferreira, watched with tears in their eyes.
“He had the silver, the bronze, and he needed the gold,” she said. “He was driven. A year ago, he said he was going to do this — and he did it.”
Alex Ferreira’s Olympic gold medal victory represents perseverance, consistency, and personality in one unforgettable moment. After years of near-misses, he finally completed his medal collection with a dominant performance in the halfpipe.
His 2024 undefeated World Cup season proved he was ready, and his clutch 93.75-point run confirmed it on the biggest stage in sports. Beyond his technical excellence, Ferreira’s humility, humor, and sportsmanship have earned admiration from competitors and fans alike.
From his entertaining “Hotdog Hans” persona to standing proudly on the Olympic podium, Ferreira’s journey is a powerful reminder that dedication and resilience eventually pay off.