MILAN, Italy – The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo continue to deliver compelling competition, with a busy Tuesday unfolding across multiple disciplines. Latvia is enjoying a significant presence at these Games, with a broad range of athletes competing, while several notable performances and moments are shaping the narrative of the event.
Figure Skating Drama and Dominance
The figure skating competition has been a focal point, with France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron leading the rhythm dance event with a score of 90.18. Their performance, highlighted by a stunning lift where Cizeron held Fournier upside down, captivated the audience. American duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates secured second place with 89.72, following a choreographed routine set to Lenny Kravitz’s “Fly Away.” Canada’s Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier rounded out the top three with a score of 86.18.
The ice dance free dance is scheduled for Wednesday, at 7:30 p.m. CET (1:30 p.m. ET; 10:30 a.m. PT), promising another thrilling chapter in the competition.
Hockey Highlights: USA Remains Undefeated
The U.S. Women’s hockey team continued its strong showing, defeating Switzerland 5-0 on Monday, . This victory keeps the Americans undefeated heading into a highly anticipated showdown with archrival Canada.
Latvian Contingent in Action
Latvia is well-represented at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, marking the nation’s thirteenth appearance at the Winter Olympics. The Latvian team is participating across a wide range of sports, demonstrating the country’s growing commitment to winter sports excellence. Details regarding specific Latvian athlete performances on Tuesday were not immediately available, but the nation’s broad participation underscores its dedication to the Olympic movement.
Canadian Performances: Goldsling Shines, Poulin Injured
Canada secured a 5-1 victory over Czechia in women’s hockey on Monday, fueled by a pair of power-play goals from Julia Gosling. However, the win was tempered by an injury to team captain Marie-Philip Poulin, whose status remains uncertain. The injury occurred during the game and is a significant concern for the Canadian team.
In freeski slopestyle, Megan Oldham captured a bronze medal for Canada, adding to the nation’s medal count. Canada also saw success in mixed doubles curling, finishing the tournament with a win over Switzerland. Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier currently sit in third place following the rhythm dance in figure skating.
Italian Triumph and Swiss Success
Italy celebrated a significant victory in women’s hockey, defeating Japan to advance to their first Olympic quarterfinals. In team combined skiing, Swiss skiers Nef and von Allmen secured the gold medal, with Austria and Switzerland tying for silver.
Figure Skating Team Event Updates
The figure skating team event has seen its share of drama. Ilia Malinin of the United States defeated Japan’s Shun Sato in a gold medal showdown. Kaori Sakamoto won the Olympic figure skating team women’s free program. However, Canada faced challenges, with Stephen Gogolev finishing fourth and the team ultimately finishing fifth overall. Canada was previously eliminated from medal contention after Schizas finished last in the event. Japan’s Miura and Kihara won the Olympic figure skating team pairs free program, while Canadians Pereira and Michaud finished last in the team event.
Controversy and Commentary
The Games haven’t been without their off-ice moments. Latvian composer Rīmenis has sparked debate with his commentary on the Olympics, drawing criticism from some observers. His remarks have generated discussion and highlight the diverse perspectives surrounding the event.
Slidoing Skills on Display
Evika Siliņa, a Latvian athlete, joined the nation’s hockey team in training, showcasing her impressive skating abilities. This demonstration of skill highlights the versatility of Latvian athletes and their dedication to various winter sports.
Looking Ahead
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics progress, the competition is expected to intensify. With medal events scheduled in speed skating, women’s big air, and men’s Alpine team combined, Tuesday promises another day of thrilling action and unforgettable moments. The focus will remain on the athletes as they strive for Olympic glory, and fans around the world will be eagerly following their journeys.
