U.S. Athletes Do Well at 2026 Winter Olympics

U.S. athletes are showing strong results at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The women's hockey team won big, and Ilia Malinin won gold in figure skating. Some athletes faced tough moments, but many are doing great.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

Athletes have made significant strides and secured notable achievements at the 2026 Winter Olympics. From dominant team victories to individual triumphs, the competition has seen U.S. participants emerge as strong contenders. However, alongside successes, challenges have also emerged, affecting the performance of some prominent athletes.

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Event Recap and Notable Performances

The 2026 Winter Olympics have witnessed a series of compelling events, with the U.S. team achieving both success and facing setbacks.

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  • U.S. Women's Hockey Dominance: The U.S. women's hockey team has showcased remarkable strength, notably securing a decisive 5-0 victory over their rival, Canada. This win, described as a preliminary round game, highlighted the team's depth, with players like Hannah Bilka scoring multiple goals and Abbey Murphy contributing assists. Notably, Laila Edwards made history as the first Black player to score an Olympic goal for the U.S. women's team.

  • Ilia Malinin's Figure Skating Prowess: Figure skater Ilia Malinin has been a standout performer for the U.S. He secured a gold medal in the team event, contributing significantly to the U.S. victory alongside teammates such as Alysa Liu and Madison Chock. Malinin's performances included executing multiple quadruple jumps, though a Quad Axel was not attempted in his free skate. He leads after the men's short program in the individual competition, earning him the moniker "Quad God."

  • Curling Success for U.S. Women: The U.S. earned a silver medal in mixed doubles curling, with Thiesse and Dropkin achieving this milestone. This marks the first Olympic curling medal for a U.S. woman, with further opportunities in the team event ahead.

  • Luge Bronze: Ashley Farquharson captured a bronze medal in the women's singles luge, adding another medal to the U.S. tally.

Challenges and Setbacks

Amidst the successes, some U.S. athletes have faced unexpected difficulties.

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  • Mikaela Shiffrin's Struggles: Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin has encountered a challenging period in the competition. Her seventh consecutive missed Olympic medal occurred in the combined event, where a slow run reportedly impacted her standing. This follows a gold medal-winning downhill performance by teammate Breezy Johnson.

Detailed Event Outcomes

The competition has yielded a variety of results across different disciplines:

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Sport/DisciplineU.S. Athlete/TeamResultNotes
Women's Ice HockeyU.S. National TeamDefeated Canada 5-0Dominant performance, historical goal scored by Laila Edwards.
Figure Skating (Team)Ilia Malinin et al.Gold MedalContribution from multiple athletes across disciplines.
Men's Figure SkatingIlia MalininLeads after Short ProgramNicknamed "Quad God"; executed multiple quadruple jumps.
Mixed Doubles CurlingThiesse & DropkinSilver MedalFirst Olympic curling medal for a U.S. woman.
Women's Singles LugeAshley FarquharsonBronze Medal
Women's Curling (Team)U.S. National TeamTied with Sweden 2-2 after third endOngoing competition with opportunities for further medals.
Alpine Skiing CombinedMikaela ShiffrinDid not medal; struggled in runFollowed a gold medal win for Breezy Johnson in downhill.
Men's BiathlonLaegreidFinished behind gold and silver medalistsCompeted against Norway's Johan-Olav Botn and France's Eric Perrot.

Analysis of Key Performances

The performances observed so far offer insights into the current state of U.S. participation in the Winter Olympics.

  • U.S. Women's Hockey Momentum: The team's decisive win over Canada suggests a strong offensive capability and cohesive play. The historical significance of Laila Edwards' goal adds a layer of cultural importance to their on-ice achievements. The team's ability to maintain such a dominant performance points to thorough preparation and execution.

  • Ilia Malinin's Competitive Edge: Malinin's performances, particularly in the team event and his leading position in the individual short program, underscore his status as a top-tier competitor. His decision-making regarding jumps, such as opting for a triple instead of a Quad Axel, suggests a strategic approach to competition, prioritizing a strong overall score.

  • Mikaela Shiffrin's Unexpected Hurdles: Shiffrin's struggles in the combined event raise questions about external factors or specific event conditions that may have impacted her performance. Given her established record, such results warrant further examination.

Conclusion and Forward Look

The 2026 Winter Olympics have presented a dynamic landscape for U.S. athletes. The U.S. women's hockey team and figure skater Ilia Malinin have demonstrated exceptional form, securing significant victories and medals. The U.S. also earned medals in curling and luge.

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However, the challenges faced by Mikaela Shiffrin serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of elite sports. As the Games progress, attention will remain on these athletes and teams, observing their capacity to maintain their current trajectories or adapt to evolving competitive pressures. The results from ongoing events will further shape the narrative of U.S. participation in these Winter Games.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did the U.S. women's hockey team do?
They had a great game and beat Canada 5-0. Laila Edwards made history by scoring the first Olympic goal for a Black player on the team.
Q: What did Ilia Malinin achieve?
He won a gold medal in the team figure skating event. He is also doing very well in the individual competition.
Q: Did any other U.S. athletes win medals?
Yes, the U.S. won a silver medal in mixed doubles curling and a bronze medal in women's singles luge.
Q: How did Mikaela Shiffrin perform?
She had a difficult time in the combined alpine skiing event and did not win a medal.