Ski mountaineering gold medalist Cardona on the Olympics' newest sport

Skinning, gliding, booting, binding, and transitions are just a few terms that we've had to learn as ski mountaineering, known as skimo, made its Olympic debut at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games. 

The only new discipline featured at these Games, skimo combines the endurance of uphill climbs with the thrill of downhill sprints, all framed by the breathtaking backdrop of Bormio in the Italian Alps.

The very first gold medal was won on Thursday 19 February by two-time world champion Oriol Cardona – and ahead of the Games, CGTN asked Cardona about the possibility of adding the Olympic title to his world wins. 

"It would be an honor for me to win that race," he said. "It would be a dream."

That dream came true after more than 16 years of dedication, since he first strapped on his skis at the age of 13 – and it was all over in less than three minutes as Cardona finished clear of Nikita Filippov and Thibault Anselmet. 

But for all the competitors, it's a big win to be taking part at all.  

"For the skimo family, being present at the first Olympic Games means a lot to me," Cardona said. 

European nations are strong at skimo, with notable Italian, French and Swiss contenders. But Cardona also noted the impressive progress of the Chinese team in recent years. 

"They are performing better in all the disciplines," he remarked, highlighting their focus on sprint and relay events since skimo's Olympic inclusion. The rapid evolution of the sport is a testament to its growing global appeal.

For those new to this sport, one essential piece of equipment to understand is the climbing skin. Made from nylon or mohair, these vital tools prevent skiers from sliding back down the slope during their uphill ascent. Once they reach the summit, the skins are ripped off, and the exhilarating downhill ride begins.