Cormac Comerford made his third appearance at this year's winter Olympics in the men's Giant Slalom at the Bormio Ski Centre on Saturday afternoon, placing 42nd after the two runs.
Snow came down for the latter part of the event in Bormio, making for somewhat challenging conditions for the Kilternan native who was the 46th man to take to the piste on the second and final run.
On run one Comerford clocked 1:24.32 and was looking to improve on his 46th position on the leaderboard going into his second time down the Stelvio slope.
Despite losing an arm guard when clipping a gate Comerford managed to successfully complete the tough course that became increasingly cut up as the day went on.
Ireland's Cormac Comerford loses an arm guard but gallantly stays the course in his first run in the Men's Giant Slalom #MilanoCortina2026 #RTEsport pic.twitter.com/sPxjI56ARA
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 14, 2026
Comerford managed a seven second improvement for his second run clocking a combined time of 2:41.75, some 16 seconds off the eventual winner.
Comerford explained the second run felt better than the first where he lost an arm guard.
"It was a little bit less scrappy and a little bit more comfortable on the skis, I think there was more time to be gained. As racers we always want to try and get every inch out of it but I can be satisfied moving from 58th to 42.
"It was extra hard nice and compact the first run was really really nice conditions, I was surprised actually but for the second run with the rain coming down it was a little bit more shattered and bumpy."
While there are only four Irish athletes competing at the Winter Games, Comerford found a rare Irish connection with his event.
"The fella who pisted the slope is called Paul... And he is some farmer from Wexford... Always nice to see other Irish people around," he joked.
Brazil's Lucas Pinheiro Braathen made South American sporting history as he outclassed his rivals to win the event ahead of Swiss great Marco Odermatt in second and Loic Meillard in third.
Comerford now switches his focus to his final event next Monday, the slalom, his preferred event of the Games.
Tomorrow Anabelle Zurbay opens her Olympic campaign, with the young skier competing in the women’s giant slalom event in Cortina.
Watch the Winter Olympics with highlights each night and selected live coverage on RTÉ Player.
