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Austrian Snowboarder Strips After Winning Olympic Gold
Benjamin Karl breaks records with historic fourth Olympic medal.
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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Austrian snowboarding legend Benjamin Karl, 40, won the Olympic gold medal in the parallel giant slalom event on Sunday, becoming the oldest snowboarder to ever win an Olympic medal. After his historic victory, Karl celebrated by stripping off his clothes in the frigid conditions, flexing for the cameras, and then collapsing in the snow in excitement.
Why it matters
Karl's gold medal win and celebratory antics have gone viral, capturing the public's attention and showcasing the passion and excitement of Olympic competition. At 40 years old, Karl has had an incredibly long and successful career, breaking records and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest snowboarders of all time.
The details
Karl broke the record for the oldest snowboarding medalist at an Olympic Games, surpassing American Nick Baumgartner who was two months younger when he won gold in 2022. Karl also became the first snowboarder in Olympic history to win four medals, having previously won silver in 2010. After expressing that this would be his last year competing professionally, Karl went out in style with his celebratory display.
- Benjamin Karl won the Olympic gold medal on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
- Karl previously won silver at the 2010 Vancouver Games.
The players
Benjamin Karl
A 40-year-old Austrian snowboarding legend who won the Olympic gold medal in the parallel giant slalom event, becoming the oldest snowboarder to ever win an Olympic medal.
Nick Baumgartner
An American snowboarder who previously held the record as the oldest snowboarding medalist at an Olympic Games, winning gold in the mixed team snowboard cross event with teammate Lindsey Jacobellis in 2022.
The takeaway
Benjamin Karl's historic Olympic gold medal win and celebratory display have captured the public's imagination, showcasing the passion and excitement of the Olympic Games and cementing Karl's legacy as one of the greatest snowboarders of all time.
