Olympic skier shocks announcers in medal-winning race: 'I can't believe my eyes'
Japanese skier Ikuma Horishima achieved a remarkable backwards crossing finish in the dual moguls event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.
At the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, Japanese skier Ikuma Horishima delivered a stunning performance in the dual moguls event, finishing with a silver medal in an unforgettable way. The race took a dramatic turn when his competitor, Nick Page from the United States, was ruled out of bounds just before Horishima took on the final hill. As Horishima prepared for his final run, he executed a backflip but lost his balance, falling briefly before managing to continue down the mountain in an unconventional and risky manner.
Regaining his footing in an extraordinary fashion, Horishima was facing backwards as he navigated the challenging course, eliciting astonished reactions from the NBC announcers. Commentator Trace Worthington expressed disbelief, stating, "I can’t believe my eyes," as Horishima crossed the finish line in reverse. This moment not only showcased Horishima's skill and composure under pressure but also highlighted the excitement and unpredictability of winter sports at the Olympic level.
The event culminated with Canada’s Mikael Kingsbury taking the gold medal, while Horishima’s unique and thrilling performance earned him the silver, marking a memorable highlight of the games. The incident stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of competitive skiing and the high stakes involved in Olympic events, creating a lasting memory for both fans and participants alike.