2026 Winter Olympics: Some Athletes Win Gold, Others Face Challenges

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are underway. Some athletes are winning gold medals and setting records, like speed skater Jordan Stolz. Others are finding it harder, like figure skater Ilia Malinin. Families are watching and supporting their loved ones.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are proving to be a period of intense competition, with athletes pushing their limits under immense pressure. While some, like speed skater Jordan Stolz, are achieving remarkable success and setting new records, others, such as figure skater Ilia Malinin, are experiencing significant challenges. Amidst the sporting drama, discussions around athlete controversies and the broad spectrum of Olympic experiences are also coming to light.

What it’s like to watch the 2026 Olympics alongside an Olympic silver medalist - 1

The Milan-Cortina Games are unfolding with a mix of triumphs and trials for athletes across various disciplines. The intense spotlight of the Olympics has led to moments of both extraordinary achievement and profound disappointment. Families are present, observing and supporting, adding a personal dimension to the global spectacle. Broadcasts are reaching audiences through multiple platforms, ensuring extensive coverage of the events.

What it’s like to watch the 2026 Olympics alongside an Olympic silver medalist - 2

Key Performances and Medal Moments

Several athletes have already made significant marks on the 2026 Winter Olympics:

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What it’s like to watch the 2026 Olympics alongside an Olympic silver medalist - 3

  • Jordan Stolz, a 21-year-old speed skater, has secured multiple medals, including a gold in the 1000-meter event, setting a new Olympic record. He also won gold in the 500-meter race, again with an Olympic record time.

  • Mikhail Shaidorov achieved a historic gold medal in figure skating for Kazakhstan, becoming the country's first-ever Olympic figure skating champion.

  • Francesca Lollobrigida delivered Italy's first gold medal of the Games in the women's 3,000-meter speed skating, with an Olympic record time.

  • Team USA's figure skating team defended its title, winning gold in the team event, marking their second consecutive victory in this discipline.

  • Chock and Bates secured a silver medal in ice dance.

  • Alysa Liu contributed to the U.S. team's lead in the figure skating team competition.

  • Sara Shimizu of Japan also achieved a strong score in figure skating after a challenging first run.

Challenges Under the Olympic Spotlight

The pressure of the Olympic Games has led to difficult moments for some athletes:

What it’s like to watch the 2026 Olympics alongside an Olympic silver medalist - 4

  • Ilia Malinin, a highly anticipated figure skater, faced a significant setback, struggling to an 8th-place finish in the figure skating competition. Reports detail his visible distress and disbelief following his performance.

  • Chloe Kim's bid for a three-peat in snowboarding was thwarted by her protégé, Gaon Choi. Despite Kim's performance, she was seen congratulating Choi with a warm embrace.

  • Gaon Choi herself experienced a heavy fall, requiring a concussion check, though she was celebrating her success.

Beyond individual performances, the Games are also marked by broader discussions:

  • Noelle Pikus Pace, a former Olympic silver medalist, has spoken about pre-Olympics controversies in skeleton, referencing the situation involving Katie Uhlaender and Canadian athletes. She now enjoys the Olympics as a fan and highlights the sacrifices families make to support athletes.

  • The logistical feat of hosting widespread winter Games is noted as a significant aspect.

  • The U.S. Biathlon team is striving for its first-ever medal in the sport, an area where they have historically not medaled.

Broadcast and Viewing Information

The 2026 Winter Olympics are accessible through a variety of media channels:

  • TV Broadcasts are available on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC.

  • Streaming is provided on Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, the NBC app, and the NBC Sports app. Access often requires authentication with a cable subscription for full live streams.

  • Specific event schedules, including figure skating and speed skating, have been detailed, with various programs airing on different networks and streaming platforms throughout February.

Expert and Athlete Perspectives

  • Noelle Pikus Pace shared that watching the Olympics now as a fan allows her to appreciate the moments, even with the challenges she sees in the sport. She noted that her sons are traveling with her, experiencing the Games firsthand.

  • Tara Lipinski, a former skater, commented on the inherent nervousness associated with Olympic competition.

  • Ilia Malinin himself described crippling anxiety as a factor in his performance.

  • Coach Jurij Tepes pointed out technical mistakes that impacted an athlete's score.

  • NHL great Henrik Lundqvist has offered insights into key qualities of ice hockey teams at the Games.

  • Federica Brignone reflected on her "unthinkable" journey to Olympic gold in super-G.

Concluding Observations

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are showcasing the full spectrum of athletic endeavor, from record-breaking performances to the profound emotional impact of competition. Athletes like Jordan Stolz demonstrate peak physical and mental fortitude, achieving significant accolades. Conversely, the intense pressure has clearly affected others, leading to unexpected outcomes and personal struggles, as seen with Ilia Malinin.

The presence of controversies, such as those mentioned in skeleton, adds another layer to the narrative, highlighting the complexities that exist beyond the performances themselves. The commitment of families, exemplified by Noelle Pikus Pace's experience, underscores the human element woven into the fabric of these global events. With extensive broadcast coverage, the Games remain a focal point of attention, drawing viewers into the narratives of triumph, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence on the world's biggest athletic stage. Future events will likely continue to reveal new stars and narratives, alongside the ongoing exploration of how athletes cope with the immense demands of Olympic competition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Jordan Stolz won gold in speed skating, Mikhail Shaidorov won gold in figure skating, and Francesca Lollobrigida won gold in speed skating.
Q: What challenges did some athletes face?
Figure skater Ilia Malinin struggled and finished 8th. Snowboarder Chloe Kim did not win her third gold medal in a row.
Q: How can I watch the 2026 Winter Olympics?
You can watch on TV on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. You can also stream on Peacock and other NBC online platforms.
Q: Are there any controversies at the Games?
Yes, there have been discussions about controversies in sports like skeleton, and athletes are dealing with the pressure of the Games.
Q: What is the US Biathlon team trying to achieve?
The US Biathlon team is working to win their first-ever medal at the Winter Olympics.