Skier gets drunk mid World Cup-race with fans

March 18, 2026 Aksel Kryhlmand

An unusual moment in a traditional sport

Cross-country skiing is typically associated with discipline, endurance and strict competition standards, but during the 2025/26 World Championships in Holmenkollen, an incident broke sharply with those norms.

According to Digi24, British skier Gabriel Gledhill took part in the race but had already fallen far behind the leading group, leaving him with no realistic chance of a top finish.

Holmenkollen in Norway is considered one of the most iconic venues in winter sports, attracting thousands of spectators who traditionally follow races closely from the sidelines, often in a lively and festive atmosphere.

Fans became part of the race

Instead of quietly finishing the race, Gledhill chose to interact directly with spectators.

Fans moved alongside the course and handed him alcoholic drinks, which he accepted along the way, something rarely associated with professional competition.

According to media, he described the experience as follows:
"I had to accept all the offers that were given to me. After a while I was quite drunk. It was really fun. There were some pretty strong drinks. I was offered Jägermeister, and I accepted. It was one of the most fun events I’ve ever been to."

The moment quickly turned into a scene where the line between athlete and audience blurred, with the atmosphere resembling a festival more than a traditional sporting event.

The result became secondary

The competition itself ultimately became less important for the British skier.

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According to Digi24, Gledhill finished in 67th place, more than 20 minutes behind the winner. He crossed the finish line so late that he arrived alongside the women’s group, which had started 45 minutes after the men.

While the result was far from competitive, it helped highlight the contrast between performance and experience.

Why the incident is drawing attention

The episode has attracted attention because it challenges expectations of elite sport, where focus is usually placed on results, precision and professionalism.

At the same time, it reflects another side of cross-country skiing, particularly in Holmenkollen, where spectators traditionally play an active and celebratory role along the course.

For those outside the sports world, the story illustrates how major sporting events can also produce spontaneous and human moments that go beyond competition.

Famous whatever the cost

Although Gledhill did not win a medal, the incident has given him a level of visibility that athletes finishing outside the top ranks rarely achieve.

According to reports from Digi24 and specialist outlets, the race stands as an example of how unexpected situations can arise when sport, spectators and atmosphere come together.

Sources: Digi24

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