Both Husband and Wife Win Gold Medal... A Rare Scene as They Rank First in the Same Sport
A rare occurrence in international competitions, Chinese freestyle skiers Wang Shindi and Xu Mengtao both clinched gold medals in the same Olympic event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
The achievement of Chinese freestyle skiers Wang Shindi and Xu Mengtao at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics marks a remarkable milestone in the sport as both husband and wife won gold medals in the same discipline. Wang Shindi won the men's aerial final with a score of 132.60, narrowly beating Switzerland’s Noe Roth by 1.02 points. Just two days earlier, his wife Xu Mengtao had also secured a gold in the women's aerial competition, making them the first couple to both reach the pinnacle in the same Olympic event. This win signifies Wang’s first Olympic medal after finishing in 14th place in prior games in Pyeongchang and Beijing, showcasing his transformation into a champion.
In light of their achievements, Wang expressed gratitude towards Xu's support while emphasizing their professionalism and competitive spirit. He highlighted that they have been competing together for years, yet their relationship allows space for individual focus, which contributes to their success. Xu, who is a veteran athlete and two-time Olympic champion, reflected on her career, stating that experience and persistence have brought her to this high level of performance, showcasing her desire to prove her competitive abilities despite her long athletic history.
Following their individual successes, the couple competed together in the mixed team event but fell short of another medal, finishing with a bronze after partnering with teammate Li Tianma. The event saw the USA taking home gold and Ukraine securing silver, further highlighting the fierce competition at the Olympics even among the best athletes.