Transgender skier downplays Olympic history

February 12, 2026 - 04:31

Freestyle skier Elis Lundholm, who was assigned female at birth and identifies as a man, made history this week as the first openly transgender athlete to compete at a Winter Olympics. However, following his event, Lundholm chose to downplay the landmark moment, shifting focus squarely to his athletic performance.

Lundholm finished 25th in the women’s moguls qualifying round, a result that did not advance him to the finals. In post-competition remarks, the skier emphasized his identity as an athlete above all else. He expressed a desire to be recognized for his skill and dedication on the slopes, rather than solely for his gender identity.

The participation of transgender athletes in elite sports remains a topic of international discussion and varying policies across sporting bodies. Lundholm’s presence at the Games was made possible under current International Olympic Committee guidelines, which have evolved in recent years.

Despite the significant attention surrounding his groundbreaking participation, Lundholm maintained a perspective centered on competition. He acknowledged the significance of his presence for some viewers but reiterated that his primary goal was to represent his country and execute his sport at the highest level. His performance, he stated, was a culmination of training and passion for freestyle skiing.