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Livigno, Italy – The Winter Olympics continue to deliver breathtaking moments, and today’s standout image captures the intensity and skill of freestyle skiing. Ben Lynch of Team Ireland soared through the halfpipe at Livigno Snow Park on February 20, 2026, during the men’s freeski halfpipe final, showcasing a remarkable performance that captivated audiences. The event, now in its 14th day, highlighted the dedication and athleticism of winter sports competitors from around the globe.

Lynch’s participation marks a significant milestone for Irish winter sports, as he became the first Irish skier to qualify for a Winter Olympics final, finishing 11th in the qualifiers. His eighth-place finish in the final, with a top score of 75.00, represents one of the strongest Olympic performances to date by an Irish winter athlete. The competition was fierce, with Lynch narrowly missing his personal best of 75.75 achieved during qualifying. This achievement underscores the growing strength of Irish athletes on the international stage and the increasing visibility of freestyle skiing.

Born in Rathmines, Dublin, Lynch moved to Canada at the age of two and now trains in Calgary under coach Rex Thomas. He initially began competing in slopestyle and big air at age 12 before focusing on halfpipe at 19. He transitioned to representing Ireland in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from the Canadian development pathway to Team Ireland. According to the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Lynch competes on the FIS World Cup circuit and achieved a 23rd-place finish at the Calgary World Cup in January 2025.

The final itself was a display of incredible athleticism. Lynch navigated a challenging course, improving with each run despite some stumbles. He was fourth after the first run, a position largely influenced by falls from other competitors. His second run also saw a stumble, but a clean third run secured his final score of 75.00. The Irish Times reported that Lynch expressed his excitement, stating, “Eight has always been my lucky number, to finish eighth, my stars have aligned.”

A Competitive Field

The competition was dominated by Alex Ferreira of the United States, who claimed gold with a score of 93.75. Estonia’s Henry Sildaru secured silver with 93.00, and Canada’s Brendan Mackay took bronze with 91.00. These scores demonstrate the high level of skill and precision required to excel in the halfpipe event. Lynch’s performance, however, placed him among the world’s elite, a testament to his dedication and training.

Looking Ahead for Team Ireland

The Olympic Federation of Ireland recently published its Nomination and Selection Policy for the Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026, taking place from February 6th to 22nd in Italy. As noted on Olympics.ie, anticipation is building as Ireland’s top winter athletes prepare for qualification. Lynch’s success will undoubtedly inspire other Irish athletes and contribute to the growing momentum of winter sports in Ireland.

The Winter Olympics continue to provide thrilling competition and inspiring stories. Ben Lynch’s performance in the men’s freestyle skiing halfpipe final is a shining example of the dedication, skill, and perseverance of athletes competing on the world stage. The Games are scheduled to conclude on February 22nd, and further exciting events are expected as athletes vie for Olympic glory.

What are your thoughts on Ben Lynch’s performance? Share your comments below and facilitate us celebrate the achievements of Team Ireland!

A Loblaw-owned Superstore in Toronto has been fined $10,000 by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for falsely advertising imported food as “Product of Canada,” the agency confirmed this week.

The CFIA stated that the Superstore, located on Gerry Fitzgerald Drive, used “maple leaf advertising decals” in an in-store display to promote a product originating outside of Canada. According to the CFIA, this practice created a misleading impression for consumers regarding the product’s origin. The fine was issued on January 15, 2026.

Neither the CFIA nor Loblaw have disclosed the specific product that triggered the penalty. Loblaw acknowledged the fine and stated We see working to improve its country-of-origin labeling processes. “We strive for accurate country-of-origin signage, but that’s challenging when dealing with mass inventory,” Loblaw said in a statement. “That’s why we’re continuing to strengthen our processes. We’re sorry for any confusion this may have caused.”

The penalty follows a CBC News investigation last summer that revealed several major grocery chains were employing similar tactics, a practice dubbed “maple washing.” The investigation uncovered instances of imported almonds at a Toronto Sobeys being advertised as “Made in Canada” with a maple leaf symbol, despite the packaging clearly indicating their foreign origin. A No Frills store, also owned by Loblaw, displayed strawberries with signage proclaiming “Prepared in Canada” and featuring a maple leaf, although the packaging identified them as a “product of USA.”

The CFIA can levy fines of up to $15,000 per offence. In September 2025, shoppers expressed frustration that the agency had not issued fines despite uncovering numerous instances of misleading labeling. The CFIA has previously stated it takes food mislabeling “seriously” and determines enforcement actions based on risk factors, a company’s compliance history, and its responsiveness to resolving issues.

In a separate case last April, a Sobeys-owned Safeway store near Edmonton advertised Compliments avocado oil as “Made in Canada” with a maple leaf, while the product’s packaging revealed it was imported. The CFIA investigation into that incident took four months to resolve. The agency has not yet responded to inquiries regarding why Sobeys did not receive a fine in that case. Sheila Young, who initially complained to the CFIA about the avocado oil, stated in September that the agency should begin issuing fines to deter such practices.

According to the CFIA, “Product of Canada” labeling applies to food that is entirely or almost entirely produced within the country. To qualify as “Made in Canada,” the final significant processing of the food product must occur within Canada.