The slovakian team of Marianna Jagerčíková adn jakub Šiarnik clinched a historic Olympic berth for their nation at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, marking Slovakia‘s first-ever qualification in the sport of ski mountaineering [[1]]. The pair secured the ninth and final qualifying position in the mixed relay at a crucial world Cup event held in Solitude, Utah, on Saturday. Ski mountaineering, also known as skimo [[2]], will debut at the 2026 Olympics with 36 athletes competing across three events [[3]].
Slovak Ski Mountaineering Team Secures Olympic Berth at World Cup Event
The Slovak duo of Marianna Jagerčíková and Jakub Šiarnik finished ninth in the mixed relay at the World Cup of Ski Mountaineering in Solitude, Utah, securing a coveted spot for their nation at the 2026 Winter Olympics – the Games’ first-ever ski mountaineering competition.
The American team of Anna Gibson and Cameron Smith took the gold, finishing more than two minutes ahead of the Slovaks. Italian and Swiss teams rounded out the podium.
The Solitude event was crucial for qualification, with the top ten teams in the mixed relay standings earning Olympic berths. Slovakia entered the competition holding the ninth and final qualifying position.
The International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) will publish the official world ranking in the mixed relay, confirming the ten qualifying teams. Poland also secured their Olympic qualification in Solitude.
“Without oxygen, exhausted, frozen, but we made it. My teammate and I, along with the Polish team, have taken the last spots for the Olympics. I’m glad I was able to keep the Polish and Swedish teams within sight after battling a mid-race setback and a three-day illness.
Thank you, Marianna, for a great performance! Thanks to everyone who supported us, and also to the federation, SOŠV, and all the sponsors for allowing me to prepare even in difficult amateur conditions,” Šiarnik posted on Instagram.
“We did it. Thank you all for your support, the mission is accomplished,” Jagerčíková added on Facebook.
Racing took place on fresh snowfall in the Utah resort near Salt Lake City. The Slovak team started strong, with Jagerčíková handing off to Šiarnik in third place.
Šiarnik dropped to fifth, but maintained a competitive position. However, the team began to fade, falling to eighth and ultimately ninth, finishing behind Poland and Sweden.
The second Slovak team, comprised of Rebeka Čullyová and Samuel Machaj, finished 11th in the B-final of the mixed relay.
