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Milan Cortina Games 2026 continued to have viral moments as Japan’s Ikuma Horishma’s silver medal finish in the dual moguls event ended in wild fashion.
Horishima and USA’s Nick Page were on the hill when the latter was ruled off course during his run.
But when Horishima was about to hit the final hill, he lost his balance after performing a backflip.
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Gold medalist Mikael Kingsbury of Team Canada (C), silver medalist Ikuma Horishima of Team Japan (L) and bronze medalist Matt Graham of Team Australia participate in the national anthem during the medal ceremony for the Men’s Dual Moguls Final on day nine of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Air Park 26, February 26, in Livigno, Italy. (Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
After falling for a brief second, Horishima somehow regained his balance, but flipped backwards down the mountain.
Instead of trying to turn, Horishima simply looked behind him and continued down the rugged mountain backwards as he crossed the finish line.
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The NBC announcers were reminded of what they saw from Horishima.
“Oh my god, what’s happening? I can’t believe my eyes,” said commentator Trace Worthington. “Ikuma Horishima comes backwards over the line.”
Matt Graham of Team Australia and Ikuma Horishima of Team Japan compete in the men’s Dual Moguls semifinal on day nine of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at Livigno Air Park on February 15, 2026 in Livigno, Italy. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Canada’s Mikael Kingsbury was awarded the gold medal in the event, while Australia’s Matt Graham finished behind Horishima to win bronze.
Horishima won his second medal at these Winter Games, securing a bronze in the men’s moguls. He finished behind Australia’s Cooper Woods and Kingsbury in that event.
However, Horishima’s silver was Japan’s 17th medal, which ranks third in the Games behind Norway and Italy. Norway leads with 27 medals, including a leading 12 gold, while Italy has 22 medals.
The U.S. has 17 total medals, including five goals and eight silvers, so far.
Ikuma Horishima of Team Japan crosses the finish line backwards after a fall as he competes in the Men’s Dual Moguls Round of 16 against Nick Page of Team United States (not pictured) on day nine of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at Livigno Air Park on February 15, 2026 in Livigno, Italy. (Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Horishima made his Olympic debut at the 2022 Beijing Games, although he did not medal in his events.
