Colorado University Athletics
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Buffs Open Olympic Competition With Four Athletes in Action
February 08, 2026 | Skiing, Olympians
TESERO & CORTINA, Italy — Four current and former Colorado athletes opened competition at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games on Sunday, highlighted by strong national-leading performances in both alpine skiing and cross country.
Gray Leads Canada in Downhill
Former Buff Cass Gray finished 26th in the women's downhill, posting a time of 1:41.99. She was the top finisher for Canada in the event.
Gray finished 5.89 seconds behind gold medalist Breezy Johnson of the United States.
The downhill serves as a tune-up for Gray's top event, the giant slalom, which is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 15.
Three Buffs Compete in Skiathlon
The men's 10K+10K skiathlon — the first cross country event of the Games — featured three Buffs representing three different nations.
Freshman Jakob Moch led the Colorado trio, finishing 33rd in 49:08.9, 2:57.9 behind Norway's Johannes Klæbo, who won the gold medal. Moch was third among German skiers, trailing his brother Friedrich Moch (26th) and Florian Notz (28th).
Former Buff Alvar Alev placed 38th in 49:27.7, finishing 3:16.7 behind the winner. He was Estonia's top finisher.
Current Buff Hugo Hinckfuss finished 56th in 53:21.6, 7:10.0 back of Klæbo. Hinckfuss led the Australian contingent, finishing just ahead of teammate Steve De Campo by less than three seconds.
UP NEXT
Cross country competition continues Wednesday, Feb. 11, with the classic sprint. Hinckfuss is confirmed for the event, while Moch and Alev are pending selection.
Feb. 11 also marks the Olympic debut for former Buff Joanne Reid, who will compete in the women's 15K individual biathlon.
Gray Leads Canada in Downhill
Former Buff Cass Gray finished 26th in the women's downhill, posting a time of 1:41.99. She was the top finisher for Canada in the event.
Gray finished 5.89 seconds behind gold medalist Breezy Johnson of the United States.
The downhill serves as a tune-up for Gray's top event, the giant slalom, which is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 15.
Three Buffs Compete in Skiathlon
The men's 10K+10K skiathlon — the first cross country event of the Games — featured three Buffs representing three different nations.
Freshman Jakob Moch led the Colorado trio, finishing 33rd in 49:08.9, 2:57.9 behind Norway's Johannes Klæbo, who won the gold medal. Moch was third among German skiers, trailing his brother Friedrich Moch (26th) and Florian Notz (28th).
Former Buff Alvar Alev placed 38th in 49:27.7, finishing 3:16.7 behind the winner. He was Estonia's top finisher.
Current Buff Hugo Hinckfuss finished 56th in 53:21.6, 7:10.0 back of Klæbo. Hinckfuss led the Australian contingent, finishing just ahead of teammate Steve De Campo by less than three seconds.
UP NEXT
Cross country competition continues Wednesday, Feb. 11, with the classic sprint. Hinckfuss is confirmed for the event, while Moch and Alev are pending selection.
Feb. 11 also marks the Olympic debut for former Buff Joanne Reid, who will compete in the women's 15K individual biathlon.
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