2026 Winter Olympics: Team USA Breaks Gold Medal Records in Milano Cortina

Team USA has broken its own records for most gold medals at a single Winter Games, winning an 11th gold on February 13th! This is more than they won in previous years.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

The 2026 Winter Olympics are in full swing, presenting a complex picture of national achievement. While official tallies may vary, the spirit of competition is evident across multiple sports. Key nations are vying for top positions, with early performances suggesting a tight race. Understanding the various methods of calculating success is crucial to grasping the overall narrative of these Games.

The Official Count: IOC's Gold Standard

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially ranks countries based on the number of gold medals won. This method emphasizes preeminence in achievement.

  • Dominance in Key Events: Some nations have excelled in sports that offer multiple gold medal opportunities, such as diving and shooting. These victories have propelled them to the top of the IOC table.

  • Emerging Contenders: India's notable progress in medal acquisition has been a significant aspect of this year's Games, indicating a growing competitive strength.

Alternative Metrics: Beyond Gold

While the gold medal count is the primary metric, other ways of measuring success offer a more comprehensive view of national performance.

  • Total Medal Haul: Counting all medals—gold, silver, and bronze—provides a broader picture of a country's overall success and depth across disciplines.

  • Historical Comparisons: Looking at past Winter Olympics performance helps contextualize current achievements, showing trends and long-term athletic development.

Team USA's Performance: A Record-Breaking Pace

Team USA has demonstrated a strong showing, marked by individual triumphs and record-setting moments.

  • Milano Cortina Highlights: Several athletes have contributed significantly to the U.S. medal count.

  • Figure Skating: Performances in the team event have yielded gold medals for multiple athletes, including Evan Bates, Madison Chock, Amber Glenn, Ellie Kam, Alysa Liu, and Ilian Malinin.

  • Speed Skating: Jordan Stolz secured gold in the men's 1000m.

  • Alpine Skiing: Breezy Johnson won gold in the women's downhill.

  • Freestyle Skiing: Elizabeth Lemley earned gold in women's moguls.

  • Record Breakers: Team USA has already set new benchmarks.

  • The U.S. broke its record for most gold medals at a single Winter Games with an 11th gold in freestyle skiing team mixed aerials.

  • The country also surpassed its previous record for total gold medals, reaching its 11th gold medal on February 13th.

  • Notable Performances:

  • Jessie Diggins (cross-country skiing) won bronze in the women's 10km despite a rib injury.

  • Chloe Kim (snowboarding) took silver in the women's snowboard halfpipe.

  • Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Alex Hall, Jaelin Kauf, Korey Dropkin, and Cory Thiesse have earned silver medals in their respective events.

  • Ashley Farquharson, Paula Moltzan, and Jacqueline Wiles have contributed bronze medals.

Norway's Consistent Strength

Norway continues to be a dominant force in the Winter Olympics, consistently ranking among the top nations.

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  • Historical Context: Norway holds a significant historical record with 148 gold medals in previous Winter Olympics.

  • Current Achievements: In the 2026 Games, Norway has achieved its 17th gold medal.

  • Johannes Dale-Skjevdal set a new record for Norway, winning gold in the 15-kilometer mass start race by hitting all 20 targets.

Other Nations in Contention

Several other countries are making their presence felt on the medal board.

  • Italy: Has secured a gold medal in the freestyle skiing team mixed aerials.

  • Japan and Switzerland: Are also noted among countries leading the medal count.

  • Germany: Merle Fraebel is competing for gold in women's luge against USA's Summer Britcher.

Expert Insights and Observations

The competition dynamics are shaped by both established powerhouses and rising stars.

  • The strategic advantage some nations hold in sports with multiple medal opportunities is a recurring theme in Olympic analysis.

  • The resilience of athletes, as seen with Jessie Diggins competing through injury, underscores the mental fortitude required at this level.

Conclusion: A Dynamic Medal Race

The 2026 Winter Olympics medal count is characterized by a dynamic interplay of established dominance and emergent talent. The IOC's gold medal ranking highlights the top performers, while a broader look at total medals offers a more nuanced understanding of national success. Team USA is experiencing a record-breaking Games, while Norway continues its tradition of excellence. As the competition progresses, the standings are likely to evolve, showcasing the broad appeal and competitive spirit of winter sports.

Sources Used:

  • USA Today: Article titled "Who will 'win' Winter Olympics? 2026 Olympics medal count predictions." Published February 9, 2026.

  • Link: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2026/02/09/win-most-olympic-medals-2026-gold-medal-count-odds-chances-olympic-medal-count-polymarket-kalshi/88590598007/

  • NBC Chicago: Article titled "2026 Olympics medal count: How many has Team USA won so far? See where things stand." Published February 13, 2026.

  • Link: https://www.nbcchicago.com/olympics/2026-milan-cortina/2026-olympics-medal-count-how-many-has-team-usa-won-so-far-see-where-things-stand/3892447/

  • CBS News: Article titled "See the Olympic medal count for the 2026 Winter Games." Published one day prior to the report's creation.

  • Link: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/olympic-medal-count-2026-winter-games/

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many gold medals has Team USA won at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
As of February 13th, Team USA has won 11 gold medals, breaking their previous record for the most gold medals at a single Winter Games. They also set a new record for total gold medals won.
Q: Which Team USA athletes won gold medals in figure skating at the 2026 Olympics?
Evan Bates, Madison Chock, Amber Glenn, Ellie Kam, Alysa Liu, and Ilian Malinin all won gold medals in the figure skating team event.
Q: Who won gold for Team USA in speed skating and alpine skiing at the 2026 Games?
Jordan Stolz won gold in the men's 1000m speed skating, and Breezy Johnson won gold in the women's downhill alpine skiing.
Q: What records did Team USA break at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Team USA broke its record for the most gold medals at a single Winter Games with an 11th gold in freestyle skiing team mixed aerials. They also surpassed their previous record for total gold medals.
Q: How is Norway performing in the 2026 Winter Olympics medal count?
Norway is also performing strongly, achieving its 17th gold medal. Johannes Dale-Skjevdal set a new record for Norway by winning gold in the 15-kilometer mass start race.
Q: Which other countries are doing well in the 2026 Winter Olympics medal count?
Italy has won a gold medal in freestyle skiing team mixed aerials. Japan, Switzerland, and Germany are also noted as strong contenders in the medal count.