Thea Louise Stjernesund made history for Norway by securing a silver medal in the Olympic giant slalom, finishing in a tie with Sweden's Sara Hector. Both athletes delivered outstanding performances in the first round, clocking identical times, which pushed them to the forefront of the competition in a tightly contested event. In the second round, they maintained their pace, astonishingly achieving equal times once again, leading to a split silver medal finish between the two countries.

This remarkable outcome marks a significant achievement for Norway, as it stands as the nation's first Olympic alpine medal in the 2026 Games. The success also contributes to the impressive legacy of Norwegian alpine skiing, which has seen its athletes earn medals in every World Championship and Olympic event since 1991. Stjernesund expressed her disbelief and joy following her accomplishment, reflecting on the emotional weight of the moment and the pride of marking a milestone for Norwegian skiing.

The competition featured a high level of intensity, with other top competitors faltering in the final runs, thus allowing Stjernesund to climb positions and secure her medal. Her success has not only invigorated national pride in Norway's athletic prowess but also highlights the ongoing rivalry in alpine skiing between the Nordic countries, particularly in significant international competitions like the Olympics.