Milan Cortina Olympics: Shiffrin, US Hockey Win, Malinin Debuts – Feb 10 Updates
- The February 10 session at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics delivered a mix of expected dominance and surprising results, showcasing the breadth of competition already unfolding in Italy.
- All eyes were on Ilia Malinin as he took the ice for the men’s short program, and the American skater didn’t disappoint.
- Women’s hockey team delivered a statement victory over archrival Canada, winning 5-0.
The session at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics delivered a mix of expected dominance and surprising results, showcasing the breadth of competition already unfolding in Italy. From figure skating’s rising star to a decisive victory for the U.S. Women’s hockey team, and a flurry of medal moments across multiple disciplines, Team USA continued to build momentum.
Malinin Electrifies in Figure Skating Debut
All eyes were on Ilia Malinin as he took the ice for the men’s short program, and the American skater didn’t disappoint. Dubbed the “Quad God” for his mastery of quadruple jumps, Malinin delivered an electrifying performance, earning a score of 108.16 and securing first place heading into Friday’s free skate. His performance underscored his status as a gold medal favorite, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the men’s singles competition.
U.S. Women’s Hockey Team Dominates Canada
In a highly anticipated matchup, the U.S. Women’s hockey team delivered a statement victory over archrival Canada, winning 5-0. The win was comprehensive, with the Americans scoring in all three periods and completing an undefeated group stage campaign, having outscored opponents 20-1. This dominant performance positions the U.S. As a strong contender for gold, though tougher tests undoubtedly lie ahead in the quarterfinals.
Mixed Results in Alpine Skiing
The U.S. Alpine skiing team experienced a day of mixed fortunes. While Mikaela Shiffrin and Breezy Johnson, fresh off a gold medal in downhill , finished just off the podium in the women’s combined downhill run, teammates Paula Moltzan and Jackie Wiles secured a bronze medal in the same event. The result highlighted both the depth and the challenges facing the American team in a highly competitive field.
Curling Silver for Team USA
The U.S. Mixed doubles curling team of Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse fought valiantly but ultimately fell short against Sweden in the gold medal match, taking home a silver medal. Despite the loss, their appearance in the final marked a significant achievement, representing the first gold medal game appearance for the U.S. In mixed doubles curling since the event’s Olympic debut in .
Medal Haul Continues with Silver and Bronze
Beyond the marquee events, Team USA continued to add to its medal count. Alex Hall secured a silver medal in men’s slopestyle skiing, while Ben Ogden claimed silver in cross-country skiing – a historic achievement for the U.S., marking the nation’s first medal in the event since . Ashley Farquharson also made history, winning bronze in the luge women’s singles event, becoming only the second American woman to medal in the sport.
Current Medal Standings
As of , the medal standings reflect a competitive landscape. Norway leads the pack with 12 total medals (6 gold, 2 silver, 4 bronze), followed by Italy with 11 (2 gold, 2 silver, 7 bronze). Japan sits in third with 8 (2 gold, 2 silver, 4 bronze), while the United States is fourth with 7 (2 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze). Germany rounds out the top five with 6 (3 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze).
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Winter Olympics continue to deliver compelling storylines and thrilling competition. With several events still to come, Team USA will look to build on its early success and challenge for more medals. The men’s figure skating free skate on promises to be a highlight, as Ilia Malinin aims to convert his short program lead into gold. The U.S. Women’s hockey team will also be closely watched as they navigate the quarterfinals and pursue their own championship aspirations.