Daniela Maier wins Olympic gold in ski cross

Daniela Maier won the gold medal in ski cross at the Olympic Games. Four years after winning Olympic bronze in Beijing, the 29-year-old triumphed in Livigno.

20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) jubelt bei der Siegerehrung über ihre Goldmedaille.
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20.02.2026 - 260220 Daniela Maier of Germany celebrates with her gold medal on the podium after first place in women's freestyle skiing ski cross final during day 14 of the 2026 Winter Olympic...
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Halbfinale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) reagiert im Ziel. Sie gewinnt diesen Lauf.
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Halbfinale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) reagiert im Ziel. Sie gewinnt diesen Lauf.
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20.02.2026 - 260220 Fanny Smith of Switzerland and Daniela Maier of Germany celebrate after comepting in women's freestyle skiing ski cross final during day 14 of the 2026 Winter Olympics on Fe...
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Achtelfinale, Daniela Maier (vorn, Deutschland) und Marielle Berger Sabbatel (Frankreich) s...
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2026 Winter Olympics in Milan/Cortina - Italy

20.02.2026 - With a strong push, she heads out onto the course, Daniela Maier (SC Urach / Team Germany) at the start for Women's Ski Cross - 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan/Cortina - Italy
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) jubelt über ihren Sieg.
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Viertelfinale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) reagiert im Ziel. Sie gewinnt diesen Lauf.
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) jubelt über ihren Sieg.
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Halbfinale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) reagiert im Ziel. Sie gewinnt diesen Lauf.
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) jubelt über ihren Sieg.
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) jubelt über ihren Sieg.
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Halbfinale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) in Aktion beim Sprung. Sie gewinnt diesen Lauf.
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20.02.2026 - 260220 Daniela Maier of Germany competes in women's freestyle skiing ski cross seeding during day 14 of the 2026 Winter Olympics on February 20, 2026 in Livigno. Photo: Vegard Grø...
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (M, Deutschland) jubelt bei der Siegerehrung neben der Zweitplatziert...
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) jubelt über ihren Sieg.
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10.01.2026 - Daniela Maier (Ski Cross) aufgenommen am 10.01.2026 in München. Foto: Frank May/Team Deutschland/picture alliance
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10.01.2026 - Daniela Maier (Ski Cross) aufgenommen am 10.01.2026 in München. Foto: Frank May/Team Deutschland/picture alliance
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10.01.2026 - Daniela Maier (Ski Cross) aufgenommen am 10.01.2026 in München. Foto: Frank May/Team Deutschland/picture alliance
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) jubelt über ihren Sieg. Links steht Marielle Berger Sab...
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) blickt bei der Siegerehrung auf ihre Goldmedaille.
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) jubelt über ihren Sieg.
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) reagiert bei der Siegerehrung über ihre Goldmedaille.
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (M, Deutschland) jubelt neben der Zweitplatzierten Fanny Smith (r, Sc...
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) jubelt über ihren Sieg.
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10.01.2026 - Daniela Maier (Ski Cross) aufgenommen am 10.01.2026 in München. Foto: Frank May/Team Deutschland/picture alliance
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) jubelt über ihren Sieg.
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) jubelt über ihren Sieg.
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (2.v.l, Deutschland) jubelt mit den Teamkollegen über ihren Sieg.
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20.02.2026 - Olympia, Olympische Winterspiele Mailand Cortina 2026, Ski Freestyle, Ski Cross, Frauen, Finale, Daniela Maier (Deutschland) jubelt über ihren Sieg.
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Daniela Maier Winner in Ski Cross: First German Olympic Champion in Livigno Snow Park

Daniela Maier winner in Ski Cross: The German athlete has secured gold and become the first German Olympic champion in this discipline. Competing at the Livigno Snow Park, Maier delivered a composed performance against strong international rivals. Silver went to Fanny Smith of Switzerland, while Sweden’s Sandra Naeslund claimed bronze. The victory is seen as an important signal ahead of the Olympic Winter Games 2026.

Classification and Background

Daniela Maier’s triumph represents a major milestone for German Ski Cross and highlights the growing relevance of this fast-paced winter sports discipline. Over the past decade, Ski Cross has evolved into one of the most dynamic and viewer-friendly formats in international winter sports. The Livigno Snow Park course, which will also play a role in the competition program of Milano Cortina 2026, featured technical sections, jumps, and tight turns that tested both physical and tactical skills.

The success is not only a sporting achievement but also strategically important for preparations for the Olympic Winter Games 2026 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The training and race conditions at future competition venues provide valuable insights for national federations and coaching teams. For Team Germany, the gold medal strengthens confidence and underlines the country’s growing competitiveness in emerging winter sports disciplines.

Latest Developments / Key Facts

Daniela Maier already impressed in qualification, recording the fastest time of 1:11.12 minutes. Sandra Naeslund finished second, followed by Fanny Smith. In the final, Maier maintained control from the start and demonstrated tactical awareness in decisive sections.

Results:

Gold: Daniela Maier (Germany)
Silver: Fanny Smith (Switzerland)
Bronze: Sandra Naeslund (Sweden)

Her clean racing line after the final jump proved decisive. Analysts emphasize her improved technical execution and race management. The result is expected to influence starting positions and favorite status in upcoming international competitions.

With attention increasingly shifting toward the Olympic Winter Games 2026, the Ski Cross field remains highly competitive. Scandinavian and Swiss athletes continue to dominate rankings, but Germany’s progress is becoming more visible.

Significance and Broader Implications

The victory strengthens Germany’s profile in winter sports disciplines that are gaining popularity globally. Modern formats, strong digital engagement, and a younger audience are driving interest in Ski Cross and similar events.

German winter sports development programs have invested in data-driven training, simulation technologies, and athlete development. This long-term strategy aims to secure medal opportunities in multiple disciplines at Olympia 2026.

Media organizations and publishers are closely monitoring the rise of new winter sports stars. The demand for high-quality imagery and video content is growing, especially for digital and social platforms. Editorial teams require fast access to race highlights, athlete portraits, and competition visuals.

Visual Highlights & Image Concepts

Filename: daniela-maier-ski-cross-gold-olympics-2026.jpg
Caption: Daniela Maier celebrates gold in Ski Cross at Livigno Snow Park, a key milestone for Team Germany.
Filename: ski-cross-final-livigno-olympic-winter-games-2026.jpg
Caption: Intense final race in Ski Cross featuring top international athletes.
Filename: team-germany-ski-cross-preparation-2026.jpg
Caption: Team Germany training sessions ahead of the Olympic Winter Games 2026.

Winter Games 2026 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo

The Olympic Winter Games 2026 will take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Competitions will be spread across several venues in Northern Italy, combining urban arenas with alpine environments. Ski Cross is expected to attract strong audiences due to its high intensity and spectator-friendly format.

The competition program includes traditional and modern winter sports disciplines. The schedule features multiple medal decisions within short timeframes, increasing global media attention. Team Germany aims to compete across a wide range of events to strengthen its overall medal potential.

Infrastructure development, sustainability, and digital broadcasting innovations are central topics for Milano Cortina 2026. Media companies are preparing extensive coverage strategies to reach global audiences.

Tables / Data (optional)

| Competition | Result | Time / Gap | |------------|----------|-------------| | Qualification 1st | Daniela Maier | 1:11.12 | | Qualification 2nd | Sandra Naeslund | +0.21 | | Qualification 3rd | Fanny Smith | +1.02 |

Image Material for Editorial Use

Editorial teams can access current race images, archive material, and exclusive sequences through dpa Picture-Alliance. The agency provides comprehensive visual coverage of winter sports and the Olympic Winter Games 2026. Further information on licensing is available at https://www.picture-alliance.com/ and corporate background at https://www.dpa.com/de/ueber-die-dpa/gruppe#dpa-picture-alliance.

FAQ

Why is Daniela Maier’s Ski Cross victory significant?
It marks a historic achievement and strengthens Germany’s presence in international Ski Cross competitions.

How important is Ski Cross for the Olympic Winter Games 2026?
The discipline is considered one of the most exciting winter sports and plays a key role in the event’s global appeal.

What are Team Germany’s chances at Olympia 2026?
Through long-term athlete development and innovation, Germany aims to win medals in multiple disciplines.

Where will Ski Cross competitions take place at the Winter Games 2026?
They are scheduled at alpine venues within the broader competition program in Northern Italy.

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Daniela Maier wins gold in Ski Cross. What it means for Team Germany and the Winter Games 2026 in Milan and Cortina.

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Historic Ski Cross victory for Daniela Maier ahead of Olympia 2026
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