Can Muir Overcome Another Near-Miss for Big Air Glory?

Freestyle skier Kirsty Muir's second fourth-place finish at the Winter Olympics highlights her close but ultimately unsuccessful bid for a medal, as she missed out by just 3.5 points in the big air event. Muir scored a combined 174.75 points, narrowly falling short of the bronze medal. This follows her previous disappointment in slopestyle, where she missed bronze by a mere 0.41 points. Despite her heartbreak, Muir expressed pride in her performance, showcasing her determination and skill.

Last updated: 6 February 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

Kirsty Muir's competitive journey at the Winter Olympics has been a rollercoaster of emotions. After finishing fourth in both the slopestyle and big air events, Muir is left reflecting on her near-misses. The 21-year-old athlete demonstrated remarkable skill and composure under pressure, especially during her big air final, where she executed a difficult trick that earned her the highest score of her second run. However, the competition remains fierce, with fellow competitors consistently pushing the boundaries of performance.

Key takeaways

• Kirsty Muir finished fourth in the big air event, just 3.5 points shy of a medal.
• This was her second fourth-place finish in these Olympics, having previously missed slopestyle bronze by 0.41 points.
• She achieved her highest score of 93.00 points on her second run with a 1620 trick.

Timeline: how we got here

The path to Muir's fourth-place finishes at the Winter Olympics is marked by significant milestones:

• 27 January 2026: Muir finishes fourth in the slopestyle event, missing bronze by 0.41 points.
• 5 February 2026: Muir competes in the big air event, scoring 174.75 points overall.
• 5 February 2026: The big air final is delayed due to heavy blizzards at Livigno Snow Park.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Kirsty Muir's performance in the big air event has been a highlight, particularly her execution of a 1620 trick, showcasing her growth as an athlete. Her ability to score 93.00 points on her second run indicates her potential for future competitions.

What was already established

Muir's previous near-misses in Olympic events are now a pattern for the young athlete, having finished fourth in her last Olympic outing as well. The pressure of competing at such a high level continues to shape her experience.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The Winter Olympics highlights the excitement of sports in the UK, fostering community support for athletes like Muir. As viewers engage with the games, there is a boost in interest for winter sports, which could lead to increased participation and viewership in the future.

Businesses and jobs

The success of athletes can influence sponsorship and investment in sports, particularly in the winter sports sector. Muir's performances may attract attention from brands seeking to associate with Olympic athletes, potentially creating job opportunities in coaching, sports management, and event organisation.

Policy and regulation

The UK government and sporting bodies may reassess funding allocations for winter sports based on Muir's performance and the overall success of the Olympic team. This could lead to increased support for training facilities and youth programmes in the coming years.

Numbers that matter

• 174.75: Muir's total score across her best two runs in the big air event.
• 3.5: Points by which Muir missed out on the bronze medal in big air.
• 0.41: Points Muir missed slopestyle bronze by, showcasing her consistent near-misses.
• 1620: The complex trick Muir attempted in her final run, illustrating her competitive ambition.
• 90.00: The minimum score achieved by several skiers in the first round, highlighting the high level of competition.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Big Air: A freestyle skiing event where athletes perform tricks off a large jump.
• Slopestyle: A discipline in freestyle skiing involving a course with various obstacles and jumps.
• 1620: A trick involving four and a half rotations in the air before landing.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Muir will likely take time to recover and reflect on her performances at the Olympics, assessing her techniques and strategies for future competitions.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the Olympics, Muir may participate in upcoming freestyle skiing events, aiming to improve her scores and secure podium finishes.

Signals to watch

• Upcoming competition schedules to track Muir's participation.
• Potential changes in funding or support for winter sports in the UK.
• Media coverage and sponsorship deals that may arise from her Olympic performances.

Practical guidance

Do

• Follow Muir's career for updates on her next competitions.
• Support local winter sports initiatives to encourage youth participation.
• Engage with the Winter Olympics coverage to foster a greater understanding of the sport.

Don’t

• Underestimate the impact of near-misses on an athlete's future performances.
• Neglect the importance of mental support for athletes post-competition.
• Assume that Olympic performances define an athlete's entire career.

Checklist

• Stay updated on Muir's future competitions and events.
• Research the complexities of freestyle skiing to appreciate the sport more.
• Consider joining local clubs or groups to support winter sports.
• Follow social media channels of Olympic athletes for insights.
• Watch for sponsorship opportunities in winter sports-related businesses.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Muir's performances were impressive, the high-pressure environment of international competition can lead to unpredictable outcomes. Factors such as injuries, weather conditions, and changes in competition formats can significantly impact future events. Additionally, the mental toll of repeated near-misses may influence her performance trajectory going forward.

Bottom line

Kirsty Muir's Olympic journey is a testament to her skill and determination, despite narrowly missing out on medals. As she reflects on her performances, the future remains bright for her in the realm of freestyle skiing. Her experiences serve as an inspiration for upcoming athletes in the UK, highlighting the importance of resilience in sports.

FAQs

Why did Kirsty Muir finish fourth in the big air event?

Kirsty Muir finished fourth in the big air event with a score of 174.75 points, just 3.5 points shy of a bronze medal.

What challenges did Muir face during the competition?

Muir faced tough competition and challenging weather conditions that delayed the final, impacting the overall dynamics of the event.

How did Muir's performances compare to other athletes?

Muir's scores were competitive, placing her in the thick of the action, with only slight margins separating her from medal positions in both events.