The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics: Highlights from an Action-Packed Day

The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics are in full swing, bringing thrilling competition and remarkable performances to the forefront. As athletes from around the globe vie for Olympic glory, day after day showcases the highs and lows of sportsmanship. On Friday, several key events unfolded, illustrating the drama of Olympic competition.

U.S. Women’s Curling Faces Setback Against Switzerland

Team USA’s women’s curling team hit a hard wall on Friday, succumbing to Switzerland in the semifinals with a final score of 7-4. After a strong victory against the Swiss the previous day—an effort that propelled them into the semifinals—the U.S. faced an uphill battle in their rematch.

Switzerland’s strong defensive strategy proved crucial, limiting Team USA to just one point in the ends they managed to score. They maintained control of the hammer throughout the game, stymieing the American effort and forcing multiple scoreless halves. In a tense 10th end, Switzerland executed a brilliant hammer throw, sealing their victory with a two-point score.

As a result of this loss, Team USA will have the opportunity to compete for a bronze medal on Saturday. Their determination to bounce back amidst fierce competition continues to fuel their pursuit of Olympic success.

Men’s Hockey: Team USA Shines Against Slovakia

In stark contrast, Team USA’s men’s hockey team delivered an outstanding performance, triumphing over Slovakia with a decisive score of 6-2 in the semifinals. This victory marks a significant moment for the team, as they advance to the gold-medal game for the first time since 2010.

Jack Hughes was a standout player, scoring two goals while four other teammates contributed to the scoreboard. Though Slovakia attempted to rally in the final minutes of the game, the deficit proved insurmountable. Setting up what promises to be an exhilarating showdown against Canada in the gold medal match, Team USA’s recent success has rekindled hope and excitement among fans.

Brittany Bowe’s Challenging Finale

In a bittersweet moment, Brittany Bowe concluded her Olympic speed skating career on Friday, finishing fourth in her final event. Despite a strong start, she struggled to maintain her pace, ultimately finishing 0.55 seconds behind the leader. The crowd at the speed-skating arena, notably supportive of her rival from the Netherlands, acknowledged Bowe’s achievement with a heartfelt ovation. This marks the third time she has finished fourth in an event during the 2026 Games, a testament to her perseverance despite narrowly missing the podium.

Kristen Santos-Griswold Aims for Gold

With determination in her heart, American speed skater Kristen Santos-Griswold took to the ice in pursuit of her first Olympic gold medal in the women’s 1,500 meters. This is her second time competing in the Winter Olympics, after the heartbreak she suffered in 2022. As she preps for her final chance at a medal in Milan Cortina, many fans are rooting for her to capitalize on what is considered her best event.

To track Team USA’s medal count, fans can check the Olympic medal tracker that provides detailed updates on their standings in the competition.

Notable Movements in Other Sports

As excitement swirled around these highlights, other significant events took place. Corinne Stoddard became the first American to medal in short track speed skating since 2010, claiming a bronze medal amidst fierce competition. Meanwhile, in the men’s 5000m relay, the Netherlands clinched a gold medal, with Jens van ‘t Wout standing out as a three-time gold medalist, a rarity in Olympic history.

Tragedy also struck the speed skating rink, as Polish skater Kamila Sellier suffered a serious injury during her race, reminding everyone of the inherent risks involved in these high-stakes competitions.

Staying Informed

With thrilling matches and heart-pounding moments, the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Fans can catch all the latest events, results, and medal standings on NBC and streaming via Peacock, ensuring they don’t miss a second of the ongoing action. Follow the stories of these remarkable athletes as their journeys unfold, bringing inspiration and unity on the global stage through sports.