The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina ran 19 days of thrilling competitions. From February 6 to 24, athletes faced icy slopes, fast rinks, and high stakes across Milan, Cortina, and Livigno/Bormio. The Games opened with a ski jumping scandal. Male jumpers must wear suits only 4 centimeters larger than their bodies. Teams push the limits, especially in the crotch area, to gain lift. This “crotch-gate” incident quickly captured headlines and set a dramatic tone for the Games. Lindsey Vonn became the face of resilience. Competing on a torn ACL, she completed her training runs but crashed during the downhill event. Spectators watched in shock as she was taken by helicopter for medical care. Despite the pain, Vonn’s determination showed the Olympic spirit, reminding the world that courage sometimes outweighs victory. In Milan, 21-year-old Jordan Stolz won his first Olympic gold in the men’s 1,000 meters speed skating event. Known in Europe but relatively unknown in the U.S., Stolz dazzled the crowd with his speed and composure. Though he earned silver in the 1,500 meters, Stolz’s Olympic debut made him a rising star for American winter sports fans. Figure skater Ilia Malinin, nicknamed the “Quad God,” struggled under pressure. His free skate started well but faltered on the quad axel, dropping him from a likely gold to eighth place. His dramatic fall was one of the most stunning moments of the Games and highlighted the intense pressure top athletes face on the Olympic stage. Mikaela Shiffrin, one of the most decorated World Cup skiers, had faced Olympic disappointment in past Games. In Milan, she overcame earlier setbacks to win critical races in the women’s alpine events. Her comeback was a testament to resilience, risk-taking, and focus under pressure. Alysa Liu, aiming to be the first American woman to medal in figure skating in 20 years, delivered a flawless performance. Her energy, confidence, and joy were unmatched, earning her the gold medal. Liu’s win symbolized the triumph of positivity and skill, showing the power of embracing the moment. The U.S. women’s hockey team faced Canada in a tense gold-medal match. Down by one goal late in the third period, Hilary Knight inspired her team. Knight scored the tying goal, and Megan Keller netted the overtime winner, securing a 2-1 victory. The team honored the late Johnny Gaudreau by bringing his children onto the ice, blending triumph with heartfelt remembrance. American-born skier Eileen Gu competed for China, winning multiple medals. While her decision sparked debate, her skill and dedication were undeniable. Gu’s performances showed her commitment to excellence, even amid questions about nationality and representation. Norway topped the medal count with 41, followed by the United States with 33, and host nation Italy with 30. Germany and Japan rounded out the top five nations. These Games highlighted both individual achievements and team successes, leaving a legacy of courage, skill, and unforgettable moments. The Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics combined high drama, heroic comebacks, and emotional victories. From ski jumps to speed skating and hockey rinks, athletes displayed resilience, joy, and excellence, making this edition of the Winter Games truly remarkable.