Cormac Comerford and Thomas Maloney Westgård Showcase Ireland’s Talent at the Winter Olympics with Outstanding Performances
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The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics commenced with electrifying performances as Irish athletes Cormac Comerford and Thomas Maloney Westgård competed on the slopes. This weekend represented a significant milestone for Team Ireland, with Comerford making his Olympic debut and Westgård participating in his first of three races at the prestigious event.
On Saturday, the focus was on Cormac Comerford, who became the 34th athlete to represent Ireland in the Winter Olympics. Competing on the renowned Stelvio slope, the Alpine skier completed the Men’s Downhill event in a time of 2:04.40, finishing 34th.
This achievement was particularly noteworthy, as he was the last to start in a field where the course had deteriorated.
Comerford’s Olympic debut
For Comerford, racing on the iconic Stelvio slope was both thrilling and intimidating. He expressed his pride in reaching the Olympic stage, stating, “It’s an incredible feeling to make my Olympic debut today in this weather, on this slope.” While acknowledging some errors during his run, he expressed satisfaction in finishing the race and representing his country.
Challenges faced on the course
As the final competitor on the downhill course, Comerford encountered the added challenge of slippery conditions, worsened by earlier racers. Nonetheless, he navigated the course with determination. Reflecting on his performance, he remarked, “I made a few mistakes in the run; it felt smoother in training, but that’s racing and I’m really proud to have brought it down.”
Maloney Westgård’s Skiathlon performance
On Sunday, fellow Irish athlete Thomas Maloney Westgård took part in his first event, the Men’s 10km + 10km Skiathlon. This race, which required alternating between classic and free skiing techniques, posed a challenge for the experienced athlete. Maloney Westgård finished in 35th place with a time of 49:24.6, commenting on the tough conditions: “Soft conditions and quite icy and tricky in the downhills and crusty corners made for a really challenging course.”
Insights from a veteran Olympian
The 30-year-old, who has participated in three Olympic Games, shared his perspective, stating, “I was a bit anxious on some of the downhill.” Although his performance did not meet his previous standards, it reflected the competitive spirit expected at the Olympics. He emphasized the importance of starting the Games strongly, saying, “So, yeah, I’m happy to have started the Olympics.”
Looking forward, both athletes have additional competitions scheduled in the coming days. Comerford will compete in the Men’s Super-G event on February 11, while Maloney Westgård will shift his focus to the 10km Free event in Predazzo. The anticipation builds as Team Ireland aims to showcase their talents to a global audience.
The path to the Olympics has been challenging for both athletes, but their commitment and hard work have led them to this moment. Comerford overcame financial obstacles through fundraising efforts, while Maloney Westgård’s journey includes years of training and competition. Their stories serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, underscoring the significance of perseverance and passion in achieving one’s dreams.
As the Games unfold, the world will be watching these remarkable athletes as they continue to represent Ireland on the international stage. With their talent and determination, Cormac Comerford and Thomas Maloney Westgård are poised to make a lasting impact at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
