Mikaela Shiffrin and USA Hockey Compete at Milan Cortina Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are happening now. American skier Mikaela Shiffrin and the USA men's hockey team are competing. Many other sports are also taking place.
By Newsroom | Winter Olympics, Milan Cortina |

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are underway, with a series of high-stakes competitions unfolding. The focus for many will be on the performances of American athletes, including skiing star Mikaela Shiffrin and the USA men's hockey team, as they navigate demanding event schedules and the pressures of Olympic competition. The early days of the games have already seen significant events, and the coming days promise further drama across disciplines.

Key events this past Sunday included the women's giant slalom, women's 500m speedskating, and the start of the pairs figure skating competition. The men's hockey tournament also commenced with a matchup between the USA and Germany.

2026 Winter Olympics: Mikaela Shiffrin and USA men's hockey back in action and more from Milan Cortina - 1

Key Competitions and American Focus

The Milan Cortina Olympics are presenting a broad spectrum of athletic contests. For the United States, prominent attention is on alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin and the USA men's hockey team. Shiffrin, a multi-Olympic medalist, is set to compete in several events, aiming to add to her impressive record. The men's hockey team has also begun its tournament, facing international rivals.

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  • Shiffrin's schedule includes the women's giant slalom, slalom, and team combined events.

  • The USA men's hockey team's participation is a significant draw for American fans.

Mikaela Shiffrin's Olympic Journey

Mikaela Shiffrin is a central figure in the alpine skiing events. After a challenging experience in a previous race, where her performance did not meet her expectations, she is looking towards upcoming events with renewed resolve.

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  • Shiffrin expressed disappointment with her initial performance in Italy, noting her skiing did not unfold as envisioned.

  • She has openly discussed the mental impact of a past crash, including dealing with PTSD, and views her Olympic return as a crucial step in her comeback.

  • Her previous Olympic record includes three medals: two gold and one silver, earned across her first three Olympic appearances.

  • Despite entering as a favorite in some events, she did not secure a medal in three of her six competitions at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

  • The women's giant slalom and slalom events are key opportunities for her to contend for medals.

USA Men's Hockey Team in Action

The USA men's hockey team has commenced its tournament at the Milan Cortina Games. Their early matches are critical for establishing their standing in the competition.

Read More: Day 10 of 2026 Winter Olympics: Men's Ski Slalom and More Medal Events

  • A specific event highlighted was the USA's game against Germany.

  • Further preliminary round matches involving the USA are part of the ongoing schedule.

Other Notable Olympic Events

Beyond individual stars, the Milan Cortina 2026 games feature a wide array of competitions:

2026 Winter Olympics: Mikaela Shiffrin and USA men's hockey back in action and more from Milan Cortina - 3

  • Speedskating: Erin Jackson, an Olympic gold medalist, is competing in the women's 500 meters, aiming to defend her title.

  • Figure Skating: The pairs figure skating event is underway, with American pair Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea participating.

  • Cross-Country Skiing: The schedule includes various pursuit and individual races for both men and women.

  • Freestyle Skiing: Events such as the men's freeski big air qualification and men's dual moguls finals are featured.

Olympic Governance and Athlete Expression

The games are also marked by discussions on the role of sports and politics. IOC President Kirsty Coventry has articulated a vision for the Olympics to primarily focus on sport, aiming to maintain a distance from political controversies.

Read More: Ski Jumper Disqualified for Boots Too Big

  • This stance comes amidst athletes using the Olympic platform for expression.

  • Vladyslav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian skeleton athlete, planned to wear a helmet commemorating athletes killed in the war with Russia, indicating a desire to balance athletic pursuits with personal and political statements.

Conclusion

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are unfolding with a diverse program of events, drawing attention to established stars like Mikaela Shiffrin and the collective efforts of teams such as the USA men's hockey squad. Shiffrin's journey is particularly scrutinized as she navigates her return to Olympic competition, with her past achievements providing a benchmark against current performances. The inclusion of various disciplines, from speedskating to figure skating, showcases the breadth of the Winter Games. Simultaneously, discussions around athlete expression highlight the ongoing dialogue between sport and broader societal issues. The coming days will reveal further outcomes and narratives from these global competitions.

Read More: Day 9 of Winter Olympics: Shiffrin Finishes 11th, US Hockey Team Undefeated

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the main events for Mikaela Shiffrin?
Mikaela Shiffrin is competing in giant slalom, slalom, and team combined skiing events. She is looking to add to her past Olympic wins.
Q: How is the USA men's hockey team doing?
The USA men's hockey team has started its tournament. They played against Germany in an early game.
Q: Are there other American athletes to watch?
Yes, speed skater Erin Jackson is defending her title in the 500m race. Figure skaters Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea are also competing.
Q: What is Mikaela Shiffrin's past Olympic record?
She has won three Olympic medals before: two gold and one silver. She is aiming for more medals in Milan Cortina.