The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina celebrated Valentine’s Day with an exciting lineup of events on February 14, presenting both victories and challenges for athletes amid a lively atmosphere.
One of the headline events was the U.S. women’s freestyle skiing in the dual moguls competition, where Jaelin Kauf and Elizabeth Lemley claimed silver and bronze medals, showcasing their remarkable skills on the slopes. This added to Kauf’s impressive Olympic resume, as she has now won three silver medals across her Olympic career.
In men’s hockey, Team USA faced an early scare against Denmark, trailing 2-1 at one point. However, they rallied to secure a commanding 6-3 victory, with contributions from six different players. This win marks a solid start, with the U.S. hockey team now boasting a perfect 2-0 record in the competition.
American athletes also faced hurdles, notably in women’s freestyle skiing, where Grace Henderson’s hopes of reaching the finals in big air were dashed after a series of inconsistent jumps. Despite high expectations, she was unable to progress in the event, highlighting the fierce competition at the Games.
In skeleton, Austria’s Janine Flock captured gold with an outstanding performance, while Team USA’s Kelly Curtis and Mystique Ro finished 12th and 15th, respectively. Curtis received special recognition for her determination, achieving her personal best just two years after becoming a mother.
Mikaela Shiffrin is set to compete in the giant slalom, looking to improve after a disappointing performance in previous events. Starting third, she’s hoping to capitalize on her experience and training to secure a better result in this key event.
Notably, Canadian women’s hockey captain Marie-Philip Poulin made headlines by tying the record for the most Olympic goals in women’s hockey history with 18 goals, leading her team to a 5-1 victory over Germany to advance to the semifinals.
In a memorable moment for Brazilian sports, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen made history by winning gold in the men’s giant slalom, marking the first Winter Olympics medal for South America. His remarkable performance highlighted the expanding scope of global competition in winter sports.
Jordan Stolz continued his quest for multiple gold medals in speed skating, winning the men’s 500 meters with a new Olympic record time, which further solidifies his reputation as a rising star in the sport.
Overall, the 2026 Winter Olympics are showcasing both stunning victories and heart-wrenching challenges for athletes, all the while illustrating the unwavering spirit and dedication of competitors from around the world. As the Games progress, excitement continues to build with each event.