OLYMPICS: Alpine skiing-Attacking Viking McGrath hunts gold to honor late grandfather

BORMIO, Italy — Atle Lie McGrath will carry more than Olympic ambition when he pushes out of the старт gate in the men’s slalom — he will race in memory of his grandfather, Svein Lie, whose influence shaped both his life and career.

The 25-year-old Norwegian learned of his grandfather’s passing on the night of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Svein Lie, 83, had been battling dementia.

McGrath admitted the timing of the loss was overwhelming.

“I’m not religious or spiritual, and nor was he, but it almost made me become spiritual because the timing of it was unbelievable,” McGrath said. “I’m at least very happy I’m able to talk about it now because a couple days ago it was too tough. It’s helped, but it put a lot of things in perspective for me.”

Born in Vermont, McGrath moved to Norway at the age of two with his parents — his father, Felix, a former U.S. ski team racer, and his Norwegian mother, Selma Lie, a cross-country skier. It was in Norway where he developed a deep bond with his grandfather, a passionate and accomplished athlete.

Svein Lie was a renowned cross-country skier and a former Wimbledon junior tennis participant. He introduced McGrath and his family to skiing and instilled a lifelong love for sports.

“He was one of the best men I knew,” McGrath said. “He was the one who got my mum into cross-country skiing and also me into cross-country skiing. He really loved it.”

One of Svein’s greatest passions was the Birkebeinerrennet, Norway’s iconic long-distance ski race. He competed in the event for 50 consecutive years, earning more than 50 medals — a testament to his dedication and endurance.

Beyond competition, Svein taught his grandson valuable life lessons, including embracing uncertainty.

“Every time we went hiking in the woods, he would say, ‘Let’s go off trail and see where we end up,’” McGrath said. “That was his way of doing life.”

Now one of the world’s top slalom skiers, McGrath enters the Olympics as the World Cup slalom leader. Strong performances this season, including victories in Alta Badia and Wengen, have established him as a leading contender in the technical events.

A gold medal would place him among Norway’s Alpine skiing legends, including Kjetil Andre Aamodt, Lasse Kjus, and Aksel Lund Svindal — icons of the nation’s famed “attacking Vikings” tradition.

“The spirit is still super strong,” McGrath said. “What’s really cool is that all these guys — Kjetil, Lasse, and Aksel — are still a huge part of the family. I meet them regularly and we speak a lot.”

Inspired by those legends — and by his grandfather — McGrath said he plans to race with complete commitment.

“My slalom season started terribly with two DNFs in three races,” he said. “Then I decided the rest of the season I’m going to ski with full risk and full attack every race.”

With that mindset, McGrath will take to the slopes not only chasing Olympic glory, but honoring the man who first taught him to embrace the unknown. -Reporting by Martyn HermanEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters