‘0.00-second’ miracle too close to call: ‘Cabbage Boy’ Lee Sang-ho dethrones Italian emperor to seize World Cup, golden prelude

[The Financial News] The pride of South Korean winter sports, Lee Sang-ho of Nexen Winguard, nicknamed “Cabbage Boy,” delivered a “golden run” that sent shockwaves through the global snowboard scene with the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics just around the corner. Even more dramatic than the victory itself was the stunning comeback decided by a 0.00-second margin, a finish too close for the naked eye to distinguish.
On the 31st (local time) at Rogla Ski Resort, Slovenia, Lee Sang-ho captured the men’s parallel giant slalom title at the 2025–2026 FIS Snowboard World Cup. In the final, he defeated Italy’s “living legend” Roland Fischnaller, who had already claimed three World Cup wins this season, and stood on the top step of the podium.



Right after they crossed the finish line, the scoreboard showed an astonishing gap of “0.00” between the two riders. Because it was impossible to determine the winner with the naked eye, the photo-finish camera had to be consulted, and when Lee Sang-ho was finally confirmed as the victor, the venue erupted in a mix of shock and jubilation.
With this result, Lee Sang-ho claimed his fourth FIS Snowboard World Cup gold medal and his first in 1 year and 11 months, since the event in Winterberg, Germany in March 2024, signaling a complete return to top form.
Carrying the heavy responsibility of serving as men’s team captain for the South Korean national team delegation, Lee Sang-ho said after the race that he wanted to repay those who always believed in and supported him not just with effort, but with results. He noted that he had been left with regrets many times before, but was truly happy to finally deliver a strong result right before the Olympics and to share that joy with everyone.


He went on to add, “Now my preparations for the Olympics are completely finished, so I will carry this momentum onto the Olympic stage and show you a performance with no regrets.”
Having won the first-ever Olympic medal in Korean ski and snowboard history at Pyeongchang County in 2018, he has now, after eight long years, effectively declared to the world that he is fully prepared to reach the very top.
After qualifying second overall, Lee Sang-ho built momentum by defeating top contenders from host nation Slovenia and Italy from the round of 16 onward. His “golden sprint” is expected to be replayed on the main stage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on the 8th.
All across South Korea, fans are eagerly awaiting the coronation of “Cabbage Boy,” their eyes fixed on the edge of his snowboard.

jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter