Milano Cortina 2026: A Historic Winter Olympics Concludes with Norwegian Dominance
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, have concluded, marking a historic moment as the first major multi-sport festival officially organized by two cities [1]. Despite the logistical challenges of hosting events across multiple venues, the Games were well-attended, creating a vibrant atmosphere for athletes and spectators alike.
Norwegian Triumph
Norway emerged as the dominant force at the Games, surpassing its previous records with a remarkable haul of 18 gold, 12 silver, and 11 bronze medals, totaling 41 medals [1]. Cross-country skier Johannes Kläbo was the standout performer, achieving an unprecedented sweep of all six disciplines in his sport, mirroring his success at the Trondheim World Championships.
Kläbo’s performance elevated his Olympic medal count to 11 gold, one silver, and one bronze, making him the most successful participant in Winter Olympics history, second only to American swimmer Michael Phelps, who has 23 gold medals. He also broke the record for the most gold medals won at a single Winter Olympics, previously held by American speed skater Eric Heiden, who won five in 1980 [2].
Other Notable Performances
Norwegian athletes continued to shine, with Sturla Holm Lägreid excelling in biathlon, securing three silver and two bronze medals. Jens Luraas Oftebro claimed gold in all three Nordic combined events. In ski jumping, Anna Strömová triumphed in both individual competitions and added a silver in the mixed team event.
United States Finishes Second
The United States secured second place in the medal table with 12 gold, 12 silver, and 9 bronze medals. Speed skater Jordan Stolz led the American contingent with two gold and one silver medal. Figure skater Alysa Liu captured two Olympic titles, including gold in the women’s category, ending the USA’s 24-year wait for a win in that event. However, Ilia Malinin, a pre-Games favorite in men’s figure skating, faced psychological pressure and finished eighth.
American Hockey Victory and Lindsey Vonn’s Courage
The American hockey team won gold for the first time since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980. The return of NHL players to the Olympic tournament was celebrated, prompting discussion about the benefits of consistent NHL participation in future Games. Lindsey Vonn, at age 41, attempted a comeback in downhill skiing but suffered a knee injury during competition, requiring hospitalization.
Dutch and Italian Successes
The Netherlands achieved a record-breaking performance with ten gold medals, largely driven by their strong speed skating and short track programs. Jens van ‘t Wout won three gold medals and one bronze in short track, while Xandra Velzeboerová secured two individual gold medals. Italy, hosting the Games, achieved its best-ever medal count with 30 total medals, including ten gold, finishing fourth in the medal table.
Firsts for Brazil and Georgia
The Games also saw historic firsts for Brazil and Georgia. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won Brazil’s first-ever Winter Olympics medal, a gold in giant slalom. The Georgian figure skating pair Anastasia Metelkinová and Luka Berulava won a silver medal in pairs.
Looking Ahead to the French Alps
The next Winter Olympic Games will be held in the French Alps in 2030, marketed under the region’s name rather than a specific city [1]. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is also focused on rationalizing the Olympic program, with alpine snowboarding facing scrutiny regarding its future inclusion.