Ireland’s Ben Lynch has finished eighth in the Winter Olympics final of the freestyle skiing halfpipe, with a top score of 75.00 in the final run, just short of his top score and personal best of 75.75 in qualifying. Lynch had become the first Irish skier to qualify for a Winter Olympics final after finishing 11th in the qualifiers. He improved on his second run, also stumbling, before a clean third run saw him score his best 75.00 and secure an impressive top eight finish. Ireland's Benjamin Lynch during the Men's Freeski Halfpipe Final. Photograph: David Davies/PA“Eight has always been my lucky number, to finish eighth, my stars have aligned,” Lynch said.

Source: The Irish Times February 20, 2026 20:28 UTC