Spain broke its long-standing wait for a gold medal at the Winter Olympics, triumphant in the newly included sport of SkiMo, with Oriol Cardona Coll taking the top spot. This historic victory marks Spain's first gold medal since 1972, highlighting a significant achievement for the country in winter sports. The competition in SkiMo involved athletes ascending a steep slope on skis, transitioning to a sprint up stairs, and finishing with a downhill slalom run, which showcases both endurance and technical skills.

The introduction of SkiMo at the Olympics has not only revitalized Spain's representation in winter sports but also sparked discussions about the nature of the competition. Athletes from diverse backgrounds, including endurance sport legends like American cyclist Quinn Simmons, have expressed interest in competing in SkiMo in future games. However, debates continue, particularly from established figures like Kilian Jornet, regarding the format of the sprint distance being suitable for truly reflecting the sport of ski mountaineering, with concerns that it caters more to spectators than to the essence of the activity.

Despite potential disagreements over the sport's portrayal, Spain's landmark victory is a source of national pride and signifies a broader recognition of SkiMo as an emerging athletic discipline. The success is seen as a catalyst for further investment and interest in winter sports in Spain, encouraging new talent to emerge and compete on the international stage, thus fostering a stronger future for the nation's winter athletic endeavors.