Winter Olympics star throws skis and storms off course after costly error

Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath saw his gold medal hopes painfully slip away in the Olympic slalom on Monday.

Rather than take the defeat on the chin, McGrath proceeded to throw his ski poles away in anger.

And after tossing each pole over the netting, the Norwegian scaled the fencing on the side of the Stelvio course and began storming towards the trees.

Finally, McGrath collapsed to the snow as the event took a dramatic turn at the start of the week.

The 25-year-old was among the last to go in the top-30 racers and had a medal within his grasp.

However, McGrath straddled a gate and crashed out, ultimately handing the gold medal to rival Loic Meillard, who was trailing by 0.59 seconds.

Switzerland’s OTT celebrations

And it’s been reported by Norwegian media claim that his bizarre behaviour was sparked by one of Meillard’s coaches celebrating the crash wildly.

Pundit Kjetil Andre Aamodt deemed the reaction to be ‘horrible’ on Norwegian TV.

“It was a bit unsportsmanlike. I wouldn’t have taken it from the Swiss coach. I understand he’s happy, but they’ve already won three Olympic gold medals,” Aamodt said.

“It was special, but it’s probably intuitive then and there. I don’t think he meant anything bad by it.”

The America-born alpine skier was racing with a heavy heart as he partook in the event despite the tragic passing of his grandfather at the age of 83 on the day of the opening ceremony.

McGrath was spotted with an armband in tribute to the family member and was hoping to win Norway’s first gold in this event in 28 years.

‘Heart-breaking’ finish

After being checked by medical staff, he was escorted to the finish area, but walked away without talking.

“It’s just heart-breaking,” said teammate, Timon Haugan, who finished fourth.

“He’s doing everything perfect. He did a very good first run, put himself in a position to win the Olympic gold. He does everything right and then that happens in 15 seconds.”

Following his success, Meillard said: “I had to give it all and try my best. And when I saw some green, I was like, amazing. A third medal, third race. You never know if it’s going to be gold or not.

“Atle would’ve deserved it as well. He was the best skier this season, but that’s part of slalom, that’s part of sport.”

There were 96 racers scheduled to take part in the event, but 49 didn’t finish the course, two were disqualified and one didn’t start.