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Live Coverage and Highlights from Day 8 of Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics: Historic Moments and Rising Stars
As Day 8 of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics unfolds, the Games continue to captivate global audiences with an extraordinary blend of record-breaking performances, unexpected upsets, and historic milestones. From the icy slopes of Cortina to the rinks and snow-covered mountains, athletes are delivering performances that will be remembered for generations. Today’s highlights not only showcase the incredible talent and resilience of the competitors but also mark pivotal moments that are reshaping the narrative of these Olympics.
Major Gold Medals and Historic Achievements
Lucas Braathen’s Landmark Gold in Men’s Giant Slalom
Norwegian skiing sensation Lucas Braathen delivered a breathtaking performance on Cortina’s icy slopes, executing two impeccable runs to clinch gold in men’s giant slalom. His victory is groundbreaking—it is South America’s first-ever medal in Winter Olympics history, a historic milestone that energizes winter sports communities across the continent. Braathen expressed his elation:
“This medal is a testament to perseverance and the belief that anywhere in the world, dreams can come true.”
His achievement not only elevates his career but also broadens the global reach of winter sports, inspiring athletes from regions previously underrepresented in these disciplines.
Michaela Shiffrin’s Triumphant Return with Gold in Women’s Slalom
After an eight-year Olympic medal drought, Michaela Shiffrin of the United States returned to the podium with a masterful display of skill. Her precise, high-pressure runs secured her gold in women’s slalom, reaffirming her status as an alpine skiing legend. Critics have described her performance as “nothing short of extraordinary,” revitalizing her career and positioning her as a dominant contender in the remaining alpine events.
Federica Brignone’s Home Triumph in Women’s Super-G
Italy’s celebrated skier Federica Brignone delivered a commanding run amidst challenging weather conditions, earning her first Olympic gold in women’s super-G. Her energetic and precise effort electrified the Italian crowd, providing a much-needed boost for the host nation’s medal tally. Her victory underscores her resilience and dedication, inspiring her peers and fans alike.
Xu Mengtao’s Back-to-Back Golds in Women’s Aerials
Chinese freestyle skier Xu Mengtao continued her remarkable Olympic journey, securing back-to-back gold medals in women’s aerials. Her innovative tricks and flawless execution highlight China’s rising prominence in freestyle skiing. Xu’s consistent excellence adds another shining chapter to her decorated Olympic career and demonstrates the sport’s evolving technical artistry.
Mikaël Kingsbury’s Historic Dual Moguls Gold
Canadian moguls star Mikaël Kingsbury made history by winning his first dual moguls gold during the debut of the mixed team moguls event. Known for his versatility and consistency, Kingsbury’s triumph cements his legacy as one of the greatest freestyle skiers of all time and invigorates Canada’s reputation in the sport.
Elana Meyers Taylor’s Gold in Women’s Monobob
In a discipline rapidly gaining international recognition, Elana Meyers Taylor of the United States showcased exceptional skill and strategic finesse to claim gold in women’s monobob. Her victory underscores the discipline’s growth and the increasing competitiveness of the sport on the Olympic stage.
Standout Performances, Surprises, and Rising Stars
- Jordan Stolz of the United States stunned spectators with an impressive silver in the 1500m speed skating, narrowly missing gold after a tense race where Zhongyan Ning of China set an Olympic record.
- Alysa Liu of the U.S. dazzled with elegant, technically precise routines, capturing gold in figure skating and establishing herself as a formidable new talent.
- Alex Ferreira impressed in freeski, executing daring tricks and pushing the evolution of the sport, earning gold in freeski.
- Mia Manganello made her Olympic debut with resilience, earning a bronze in women’s long-distance speed skating, demonstrating determination and promise.
- Chloe Kim, aiming for her third consecutive gold in halfpipe, faced an unexpected setback when she fell during her final run, earning silver. Despite the fall, her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats remains intact, and her performances continue to excite fans worldwide.
These performances highlight the emergence of new champions and the shifting landscape of winter sports dominance, signaling exciting competitions ahead.
Key Team Results and Historic Wins
USA Women’s Hockey Achieves a Historic Comeback
One of today’s most electrifying moments was the United States women’s hockey team’s dramatic victory over Canada in an overtime thriller. Trailing in regulation, the Americans mounted an inspiring rally, culminating in Megan Keller’s decisive goal in extra time, securing the gold medal. The match was a fierce display of strategy, skill, and resilience, with both teams delivering clutch plays and incredible saves.
“We knew it was a must-win, and everyone stepped up today,” said the US captain, celebrating their monumental victory.
This victory breaks Canada’s long-standing dominance in women’s hockey, ending their streak of consecutive gold medals and marking a historic milestone for American women’s ice hockey. The USA’s triumph catapults them into the gold-medal final, setting the stage for an epic showdown in the days to come.
France’s Surprise Gold in Men’s Biathlon Relay
In an unexpected turn, France captured their first-ever gold in the men’s biathlon relay. Their remarkable shooting accuracy and strategic pacing allowed them to surge from behind, overtaking traditional powerhouses like Norway, Germany, and Russia in the final laps. This victory signals a shift in biathlon power dynamics and highlights France’s rising prominence on the winter sports stage.
Germany’s Dominance in Sliding Sports
Germany reaffirmed its supremacy with a clean sweep of the two-man bobsled podium, showcasing seamless teamwork and explosive power. Their consistent runs have bolstered their medal tally and reinforced their reputation as a sliding sports powerhouse.
USA’s Men’s Hockey Gold Medal Victory
The men’s ice hockey final saw the United States defeat Canada in overtime, ending a 46-year gold medal drought for the Americans. This historic victory is celebrated as one of the most significant moments of the Games, symbolizing resilience and renewed competitive spirit in North American hockey.
Updated Medal Table and Implications
The medals earned today have significantly reshaped the overall standings, with the USA’s recent surge elevating them to the top:
| Rank | Country | Medals (Total) | Golds | Silvers | Bronzes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 12 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 2 | Norway | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | Italy | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 4 | Germany | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 5 | France | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
The USA’s total of 12 gold medals marks their best performance in Winter Olympics history, driven by the historic men’s hockey victory and multiple individual medals. As the competition intensifies, the medal table remains highly dynamic, reflecting the unpredictable and fiercely competitive nature of Milano-Cortina 2026.
Looking Ahead: Final Days and How to Follow
As the Olympics draw toward their conclusion, anticipation grows for the remaining high-stakes events:
- Speed skating finals, with stars like Jordan Stolz aiming for multiple medals and record-breaking performances.
- Remaining alpine skiing events, including downhill and slalom races, where weather conditions could influence outcomes.
- Figure skating finals, promising breathtaking routines and crowning new champions.
- Ice hockey semifinals and finals, with the USA and Canada poised for epic showdowns.
- Biathlon and cross-country relay events, combining strategic racing with potential surprises.
- Freestyle skiing and snowboarding finals, featuring daring tricks and youthful energy that continue to energize fans.
How to Stay Connected
- Official broadcasters such as NBC and regional partners offer comprehensive live coverage, expert commentary, and athlete interviews.
- Digital platforms and apps, including the official Olympics website and streaming services, provide real-time results, highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and athlete profiles.
- Major news outlets like CNN, BBC, and local newspapers continue delivering in-depth coverage, ensuring fans remain engaged and informed.
Final Thoughts and Implications
Today’s extraordinary achievements—Braathen’s historic gold, Shiffrin’s triumphant comeback, France’s biathlon upset, Liu’s figure skating victory, Stolz’s silver, and the USA’s groundbreaking hockey win—are shaping a compelling narrative for these Olympics. They exemplify increasing diversity, unpredictability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that define Milano-Cortina 2026.
The USA’s men’s hockey gold not only ends a long drought but also marks a new chapter in North American ice hockey history. As the Games approach their final days, each event continues to craft unforgettable stories that will resonate well beyond the closing ceremony.
Stay tuned for more updates, record-breaking performances, and surprises as the Winter Olympics 2026 reach their spectacular culmination.