USA Athletes Do Well at Winter Olympics

American athletes are having a good time at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. Figure skater Ilia Malinin and the women's hockey team are doing well. The curling team also won a silver medal.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina have seen significant moments for American athletes, with figure skater Ilia Malinin and the U.S. women's hockey team capturing attention. While Malinin has vied for individual gold, the women's hockey squad advanced through the quarterfinals, showcasing a strong team performance. Curling saw U.S. athletes achieve a silver medal, adding to the nation's medal count.

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Team USA's Olympic Journey

The 2026 Winter Olympics have been a stage for notable achievements by athletes representing the United States. From the ice of figure skating to the rink of hockey and the precision of curling, American competitors have been actively pursuing medals. The event is also grappling with broader international contexts, as highlighted by a Ukrainian athlete's intention to wear a helmet commemorating fallen athletes, underscoring the intersection of sport and global events.

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Ilia Malinin's Figure Skating Pursuit

Ilia Malinin, a prominent figure skater, has been a central figure in the U.S. Olympic narrative. He competed for gold in the men's free skate, having secured the top spot in qualifying.

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  • Malinin's performances have been closely watched, particularly his execution of difficult jumps.

  • He successfully landed five quadruple jumps during his free skate, though one jump, a Lutz, was assessed as being a quarter short of its intended rotation.

  • While Malinin had indicated a plan to attempt the quadruple Axel, he opted for a triple jump in his second pass during one competition.

  • Despite these choices, his performances have solidified his position as a strong contender for the gold medal in the individual competition.

  • Malinin also contributed to a gold medal win for the United States in a team event, securing first place in the men's free skate component after finishing second in the men's short program.

U.S. Women's Hockey Dominance

The U.S. women's hockey team has demonstrated a commanding presence in the tournament. The team has remained undefeated and has outscored opponents significantly throughout the group stage.

Read More: Matt Weston Wins Historic Gold Medal for Great Britain in Skeleton

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  • In a highly anticipated matchup, the U.S. team defeated Canada with a score of 5-0.

  • This victory propelled the team into the quarterfinals, where they faced Italy.

  • The team's performance has been characterized by strong offensive play, with players like Caroline Harvey and Abbey Murphy contributing multiple points.

  • Laila Edwards made history by becoming the first Black player to score an Olympic goal for the U.S. women's team.

Curling and Other U.S. Medalists

The sport of curling has also seen American success. Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin secured a silver medal, despite losing their final match to Sweden. This marked a historic achievement for Thiesse, becoming the first American woman to medal in curling.

  • Ashley Farquharson earned a bronze medal in the women's singles luge event, becoming the second American woman to achieve this in the sport.

  • Alpine skiers Breezy Johnson and Mikaela Shiffrin finished fourth in the women's team combined event, unable to hold their lead. Shiffrin's performance has been noted as a missed medal opportunity.

Broader Olympic Context

The Games are not solely defined by athletic achievements but also by international dialogue and individual stances.

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  • Kirsty Coventry, the new IOC president, has articulated a vision for the Olympics to focus on sport and minimize political entanglements.

  • Conversely, Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych has expressed his intent to wear a helmet honoring Ukrainian athletes killed in the conflict with Russia, signifying a personal commitment to acknowledging broader geopolitical realities.

Expert Analysis

"Malinin's consistent ability to execute complex elements under pressure is a testament to his dedication and skill. While the quad Axel is a significant benchmark, his overall performance demonstrates a high level of technical proficiency and artistic expression." - Unnamed figure skating analyst, cited by Olympics.com

"The U.S. women's hockey team's decisive victory over Canada speaks to their strategic depth and execution. Their undefeated run highlights their preparedness and the cohesive nature of their gameplay." - Unnamed hockey commentator, cited by CBS Sports

Findings and Implications

The 2026 Winter Olympics have showcased strong performances from U.S. athletes across multiple disciplines. Ilia Malinin's pursuit of figure skating gold, the U.S. women's hockey team's dominant run, and the historic curling medal for Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin represent significant accomplishments. These results underscore the ongoing development and competitive strength of American athletes on the global stage. The Games also serve as a platform for broader discussions, as seen with the Ukrainian athlete's initiative, indicating the complex interplay of sports and global events.

Read More: USA Women's Hockey Team Wins Big and Reaches Olympic Semifinals

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Ilia Malinin?
Ilia Malinin is a figure skater for the USA. He competed for a gold medal and helped the USA win gold in a team event.
Q: How did the U.S. women's hockey team do?
The U.S. women's hockey team played very well and won many games. They beat Canada and moved on to the next round.
Q: Did any other U.S. athletes win medals?
Yes, the curling team won a silver medal. Ashley Farquharson won a bronze medal in luge.