Maïa Schwinghammer made waves in Italy without needing a standout performance to capture Olympic attention. The 24-year-old Canadian freestyle skier from Saskatoon garnered spotlight after her father’s emotional on-the-street interview with CBC Sports in Livigno went viral.
During the candid moment with reporter Ariel Helwani, Rick Schwinghammer, Maïa’s father, expressed his deep emotions about his daughter’s participation in the competition. He tearfully shared, “It’s hard to say. Gets you all emotional. But it’s so fun to be here. It’s awesome. We decided that she’s done well. She’s already at the top and made it here. It’s just great. She works really hard, she’s healthy and strong and has a goal. I guess her mom taught her good things.”
The touching interaction caught on camera quickly circulated online, turning Rick Schwinghammer into an internet sensation and shedding light on the supportive family behind one of Canada’s top mogul skiers.
Maïa Schwinghammer, with a notable World Cup track record including four podium finishes, is making her Olympic debut. Her breakthrough triumph occurred last season in Val St-Come, Quebec, where she triumphed in front of a hometown crowd. She also secured a bronze medal at the 2025 world championships in Engadin, Switzerland.
When asked about her father’s newfound fame, Schwinghammer chuckled, stating, “They interviewed him, and he just started crying. He’s an internet sensation. Everyone’s in love with him, he’s so cute.”
Rick Schwinghammer, a former freestyle competitor in moguls, aerials, and ballet skiing, embraced a different role at this Olympics – that of a spectator. Maïa acknowledged the significance of her parents’ support, noting, “It’s pretty special for both my parents. They’ve put so much into getting me here. It’s been a journey.” She reflected on her upbringing in Saskatchewan and the contrast of now competing in Italy adorned with the Olympic rings on her bib.
Both of Maïa’s parents, along with her siblings, extended family, and friends, have joined her in Italy for the event. She expressed excitement, sharing, “I’ve got quite the squad. It’s about 13 people and about six Schwinghammers. So it’s quite exciting. It’s pretty crazy.”
The women’s moguls competition is set to kick off on Tuesday in Livigno with preliminary rounds.