(Video) Birk Ruud’s Fiancee, Mom’s Emotional Reaction Following his Historic Olympics Gold in Livigno

Birk Ruud from Baerum had his mother and fiancee cheering him on the sidelines as he won the men’s freeski slopestyle in Valtellina.

(Video) Birk Ruud’s Fiancee, Mom’s Emotional Reaction Following his Historic Olympics Gold in Livigno

Birk Ruud, Celine Bache-Wilg, Tonje Frigstad (Image via Fri Flyt, Screengrabs via @Olympics on X)

In Short
  • Birk Ruud won his second Olympic gold medal in men's freeski slopestyle at Livigno.
  • His mother and fiancée shared an emotional reaction during his victory celebration.
  • Ruud dedicated his win to his family and remembered his late father during the podium ceremony.

Under an overcast day with light snowfall and low cloud blended visibility, Birk Ruud defied the gloom to punch his second career gold as his family cheered him from the sidelines. Quite a day for the two-time world champion.

In the star-studded final at the Livigno Snow Park in Valtellina, Ruud conquered an early lead with 86.28 in his first run. Amid worsening conditions, the men’s freeski slopestyle final was one of those evenings marred by shortcomings, especially on the clean rail sections, and the early lead put Ruud one step ahead. Alex Hall, defending men’s freeski slopestyle, slipped into the silver with 85.75 on his second run, but he couldn’t improve upon it in the final run.

Luca Harrington, who made his Winter Olympic debut, made a sizzling run in the third run to win the bronze. For Ruud, the Norwegian channeled the energy into his first run, much like he did in Beijing all those years ago. While he led the competition and sprinted into a win, it was his mom and fiancee who led the Olympic conversations.

Celine Bache-Wilg, Ruud’s mother, and his fiancee, Tonje, shared Ruud’s zealous energy, jumping in joy and enthusiasm throughout the finals. After Ruud’s victory, the pair had quite an emotional reaction that has become viral.

Ruud, who was also emotional on the podium following his win, dedicated the win to his family.

Winning gold feels amazing. It’s something I’ve really wanted. I’m dedicating this to my family, the team, Norway, and to freeski. Without the sport, I wouldn’t have this.

Birk Ruud had an emotional podium moment

The Norwegian Birk “Busi Boy” Ruud had an emotional podium moment, remembering his dad, who passed away in 2021 after a tough battle with cancer. Ruud has previously said how his dad passing away had taken a toll on his career and life.

Birk Ruud on men’s freeski slopestyle podium (Image via Aftenposten)
Birk Ruud on men’s freeski slopestyle podium (Image via Aftenposten)

He expressed that sports stopped mattering to him during those days, and it took a tough hill to come back from that. On Tuesday, Ruud was feeling his father watching him as he added one more medal to his collection.

My dad is watching from somewhere else. When we played the national anthem, I was thinking of him and just everything that happens in life, and suddenly now I’m here, which is something I was working hard towards.

He also added that thinking about the collective dream of Olympic success also adds a layer of emotional intensity.

Everybody here has been working towards it, and everybody is dreaming of the gold. When you think of all that, it’s a lot and I get emotional, which is beautiful. It’s a good feeling to have both happy and sad tears at the same time. It’s all beautiful.

After the end of men’s freeski slopestyle, Birk Ruud’s focus will be on defending his big air title. Ruud was the inaugural champion in the event four years ago, beating out the USA’s Colby Stevenson and Sweden’s Henrik Harlaut.

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