The 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics came to a close with team U.S.A taking home 33 medals, including a national record breaking, 12 golds.
Some headlining wins come from: Jordan Stolz, who won gold medals in both the men’s 500m and 1000m in speed skating; Alysa Liu, who ended the gold medal drought for team U.S.A in women’s figure skating, and took part in the gold medal winning team event; Elana Meyers Taylor, won for the women’s monobob for bobsleigh, capping off the final medal won for team U.S.A. Other gold medal winners are, Elizabeth Lemley in Women’s Moguls, Alex Ferreira for Men’s Halfpipe, and the Mixed Aerials Team for freestyle skiing. Breezy Johnson in Women’s Downhill and Mikaela Shiffrin Women’s Slalom, were the two alpine skiers awarded.
However, the two gold medals with the most attention were the Team U.S.A hockey teams. The women’s team secured the gold medal in a dramatic overtime thriller against team Canada. They came from being down 0-1 in the third period, before captain Hillary Knight scored the tying goal and sent the game into overtime. Morgan Keller sealed the game and gave team U.S.A their 3rd gold medal in the last 30 years. As for the men, they also beat team Canada in overtime, where Jack Hughs scored the game winning goal to give the men’s hockey team their first gold medal in over 40 years.
The teams struck controversy when the Men’s team humored insensitive comments aimed at the women. Despite this, both teams made a splash, and brought home gold in dominant fashion. Another major event was the brutal injury to beloved skier, and 3 time olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn. Vonn tore her ACL in the week leading up to the Milano Cortina Olympics, but valiantly stated that she would continue with her plans to compete. She successfully completed 2 strong warm up runs, however succumbed to her injury during a downhill crash 13 seconds in her Olympic run. Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture which will likely force her to retire.
Overall, Team U.S.A had another great olympic showing and placed 2nd, only to Norway in total medals. Up next is the 2028 Summer games hosted in the states, in Los Angeles.
