2026 WINTER OLYMPICS MEN’S & WOMEN’S SKI CROSS BEST BETS
Summary
The 2026 Winter Olympics have been disappointing for American athletes, with few podium finishes. Even top contenders like figure skater Ilia Malinin fell out of medal contention during a chaotic final. The outlook remains bleak, as other U.S. competitors in upcoming events are not expected to challenge for medals.
In men’s ski cross, Canadian Reece Howden is the dominant favorite due to his commanding World Cup lead. For the women’s event, Sweden’s Sandra Naeslund is heavily favored, having won most races this season. While Italian Simone Deromedis and others may challenge, American participants like Tylar Wallasch and Morgan Shute are considered longshots just happy to be competing.
It’s been a rough week for the Americans at the 2026 Olympics. They’re not seeing a lot of podiums, and even the favorites, like Ilia Malinin, in men’s figure skating, fell his way completely out of medal contention over the weekend. Someone busting their ass that much usually involves a Craigslist ad and nondisclosure agreement. Frankly, the whole men’s figure skating final was a farce, with guys routinely eating ice like they were about to go into labor and getting ready for the epidural (I don’t know how many of you will get that, but those that do are laughing hard).
Anyway, the Winter Olympic Games continue, and while there are Americans competing in the events we’re going over today, they look like people who will just be happy to be there, burning through the complimentary condoms in the Olympic village.
MEN’S SKI CROSS
Reece Howden (CAN) +185
Simone Deromedis (ITA) +300
Youri Duplessis-Kergomard (FRA) +600
Florian Wilmsmann (GER) +600
Alex Fiva (SUI) +1200
Johannes Aujesky (AUT) +1600
Ryan Regez (SUI) +2000
Edoardo Zorzi (ITA) +2000
David Mobaerg (SWE) +2000
Dominik Zuech (ITA) +2000
Kevin Drury (CAN) +2500
Jared Schmidt (CAN) +5000
Tylar Wallasch (USA) +6600
Gavin Rowell (CAN) +10000
BEST BET: Reece Howden (CAN) +185
While we won’t get a guy from the USA on the podium in this one, we’ll still likely get a North American, as Howden has all but lapped the field in this year’s competition. A quick look at the FIS Freestyle World Cup standings and betting odds shows just how dominant he’s been, sitting at 593 points compared to Simone Deromedis at 460.
What makes Deromidis interesting is your home hill advantage. There are always some local yocals who end up making their dream come true in these games, and considering he’s currently second in the world, it’s not ridiculous he could edge out Howden.
When you look at the standings, Howden has been so much better than everyone else. He’s the most successful male freestyle racer in history. Anything other than a gold would be a real disappointment. But, hey, we all thought that about Malian, too, and he turned the Olympic ice skating rink into a breakdancing floor, accidentally going full RayGun.
Sandra Naeslund (SWE) -150
Daniela Maier (GER) +400
Fany Smith (SUIO +500
Marielle Berger Sabbatel (FRA) +900
Jole Galli (ITA) +1000
Marielle Thompson (CAN) +1600
Hannah Schmidt (CAN) +1600
Saskja Lack (SUI) +2500
Brittany Phelan (CANO +2500
Mylene Ballet Baz (FRA) +3300
Katrin Ofner (AUT) +4000
Jade Grillet Aubert (FRA) +5000
Sixtine Cousin (SUI) +5000
Talina Gantenbein (SUII +5000
Morgan Shute (USA) +10000
BEST BETS: Sandra Naeslund (SWE) -150
I hate to just go all favorites here, but there’s a reason Naeslund’s vig is in the negative. She’s won five of the first seven events this year outright, including the first three straight. Her worst showing has been fourth, with Daniela Maier claiming the win on that race on Jan 30. My guess is with the Olympics coming up and all the season wins already in the bag, as well as a 610-469 score advantage of Maier in the standings, she used that race as a practice. She’ll be competing for real this at Milano Cortina.
Our local Jole Galli could end up on the podium, but that’s a stretch. Her best showing is fourth this season. As for Morgan Shute of the United States? Let’s hope she’s having a good time and taking in the sights. Hey, it’s an honor just to be an Olympian.
Follow Adam Greene on Blue Sky @AdamGreene13, threads @adam.greene and Twitter @TheFirstMan
