In what is quickly becoming the most talked-about moment of the Winter Olympics 2026, Finnish slopestyle skier Kuura Koivisto stunned the crowd at Livigno Snow Park by ditching his professional ski suit to compete in a simple tank top. The daring wardrobe choice, made during the men's slopestyle qualifications on Saturday, February 7, instantly went viral, earning the 25-year-old athlete the title of the Games' first true breakout personality.
The "Hot Dog" Moment at Livigno Snow Park
Spectators basking in the sunny 36°F (2°C) weather at Livigno Snow Park were already enjoying a picturesque day of high-flying stunts when Koivisto dropped in. Instead of the standard, aerodynamic national team kit, the Finnish skier appeared in a sleeveless top, exposing his arms to the alpine chill. The sight immediately drew comparisons to the cult classic 1984 film Hot Dog… The Movie, bringing a dose of freestyle anarchy to the typically regimented Olympic atmosphere.
While the look was undeniably entertaining, Koivisto insisted it wasn't just for show. "Not the most exciting answer probably, but it was just about speed for me," Koivisto told reporters after his run. The athlete explained that during training, he had been struggling to clear the massive jumps while wearing his bulky team hoodie. By shedding the layers, he aimed to reduce wind resistance and gain the necessary velocity to execute his technical tricks.
Function Over Fashion: Why Did He Do It?
The decision to ski semi-nude in the Italian Alps might seem reckless to the uninitiated, but for Koivisto, it was a calculated risk rooted in comfort. "I usually ski in a tank top in spring and it pretty much felt like home," he admitted. Known in the freeskiing community as a "stylebender" for his creative and unconventional approach to the sport, Koivisto is no stranger to breaking the mold.
Despite the aerodynamic adjustment, the gamble didn't quite pay off on the scoreboard. Koivisto finished 14th in the qualification round, agonizingly close to the cutoff but ultimately missing the top 12 spots required to advance to Tuesday's finals. While the judges may have been less enthused by the lack of traditional attire, the crowd's roar confirmed that he had won the popular vote.
Viral Fame vs. Olympic Glory
In the age of social media, Olympic legacy isn't always defined by gold medals. Koivisto's tank top run has already cemented his place in funny Winter Olympics news history, joining the ranks of other legendary viral stars like Pita Taufatofua, the "Shirtless Tongan." Clips of his run flooded platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) within minutes, with fans celebrating the spirit of "hot dogging"—a term for showy, exuberant skiing that harkens back to the sport's roots.
What's Next for Slopestyle at the 2026 Games?
While Koivisto's competition has ended, the action at Livigno is far from over. The top 12 qualifiers, including heavy hitters from Norway and the United States, will advance to the Men's Slopestyle Finals scheduled for February 10. The course, which features a challenging mix of rails and jumps, has already proven to be a formidable test for the world's best.
As for Koivisto, he remains in good spirits despite the elimination. When asked if he would do it again, his answer was characteristic of his laid-back persona: "I'd probably do the same thing. It's only a minute of skiing." For fans watching around the world, that minute provided one of the most memorable weirdest sports moments of 2026 so far.
