McGrath Wins First Crystal Globe in Slalom

Norway's McGrath claims first career crystal globe

Atle Lie McGrath secures men's slalom World Cup title, edging out Lucas Pinheiro Braathen and Clement Noel.

“I've been going the past two weeks not sleeping, struggling to eat...”

Atle Lie McGrath made history by claiming his first career Crystal Globe in the men's slalom World Cup title, edging out Lucas Pinheiro Braathen in a thrilling finish. The 25-year-old Norwegian secured the title with an eighth-place finish in the season-ending slalom on home soil.

McGrath's emotional victory comes after a tough few months, including his grandfather's passing on the day of the opening ceremony at the Milano Cortina Olympics, where he had a disappointing outing. “It's the best day of my life, really,” McGrath said, fighting back tears. “To win a globe, and win my first one, is so tough. And to do it at home... I've been going the past two weeks not sleeping, struggling to eat because I knew this day was coming.”

Atle Lie McGrath ended the season on a high, securing the World Cup slalom title with 584 points, 64 points ahead of France's Clement Noel. Olympic giant slalom champion Lucas Pinheiro Braathen finished third, just nine points behind Noel. This win was particularly emotional for McGrath, coming a month after his grandfather's passing and a heartbreaking slalom exit at the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

McGrath's triumph was a testament to his resilience, and he's been open about how his grandfather's passing affected him. 

“I am just so relieved. The past months after the Olympics have been some of the toughest, but also some of the most rewarding I've ever had in my life ” a tearful McGrath said.

“I really miss my grandfather today. I wish he was here with me, but I know he's watching.”

McGrath held a 41-point lead over Pinheiro Braathen heading into the season finale in Lillehammer, but a cautious second run dropped him to fourth place, setting the stage for a tense showdown.

The Norwegian's strategy seemed to pay off, as Pinheiro Braathen's subsequent run wasn't enough to overhaul McGrath's lead, securing the Norwegian's first World Cup slalom title. 

Pinheiro Braathen's error at the top of his run handed McGrath the advantage, and Clement Noel's top spot finish sealed the deal for the Norwegian.

McGrath's joy was palpable as he celebrated his first career small globe with a heartfelt hug from Pinheiro Braathen, showing the strong bond between the two friends and rivals. 

“It's the best day of my life, really... To win a globe and win my first one is so tough, and to do it at home,” McGrath said.

“I've been going the past two weeks not sleeping, struggling to eat, because I knew this day was coming.”

Atle Lie McGrath secures slalom Crystal Globe as Lucas Pinheiro Braathen’s second run doesn’t go his way ⛷️ pic.twitter.com/5X0eP1Z4ce

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Atle Lie McGrath had plenty of reason to be nervous, given Lucas Pinheiro Braathen's impressive comeback to claim the giant slalom World Cup title, overtaking Marco Odermatt. However, McGrath's focus paid off as he secured the slalom World Cup title, while Norway's Timon Haugan took the win in Wednesday's slalom event.

Pinheiro Braathen's bid to sweep both giant slalom and slalom titles fell short, with Haugan's win, followed by Loic Meillard of Switzerland and Finn Eduard Hallberg rounding out the podium. McGrath's triumph marks a remarkable season turnaround after his Olympic setback.