From February 6 to 22, the 2026 Winter Olympics – the world’s largest winter sporting event – took place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The Games brought together more than 3,500 athletes from 93 countries and territories, competing across 195 medal events.
Beyond the dramatic race on the medal table, this year’s Olympics captured global attention with historic records, emotional victories, and unforgettable breakthroughs.
After more than two weeks of intense competition, Norway once again asserted its dominance with 18 gold medals, 12 silver medals, and 11 bronze medals. Host nation Italy finished fourth overall with 10 gold medals, 6 silver medals, and 14 bronze medals. Meanwhile, Asian powerhouses Japan, China, and South Korea each secured prestigious gold medals, reinforcing their growing presence in winter sports.
Below are the 12 defining moments that shaped the 2026 Winter Olympics.
1. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo Wins 6 Gold Medals in a Single Olympic Games
Norwegian star Johannes Høsflot Klæbo made history by sweeping all six gold medals in cross-country skiing. This remarkable achievement brought his career total to 11 Winter Olympic gold medals, setting a new benchmark in the sport.
At just 29 years old, Klæbo reaffirmed his dominance and secured his legacy among the greatest legends in winter sports history.
2. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen Delivers South America’s First Winter Olympic Gold
For over a century, no South American athlete had ever won gold at the Winter Olympics. That changed when Lucas Pinheiro Braathen triumphed in the giant slalom, earning Brazil – and South America – its first-ever Winter Olympic gold medal.
Born in Oslo to a Norwegian father and Brazilian mother, Braathen previously represented Norway before switching allegiance to Brazil in 2024. He defeated defending champion Marco Odermatt by 0.58 seconds, declaring confidently: “Brazil doesn’t come to participate — we come to make a difference.”
3. Franjo von Allmen Claims 3 Gold Medals in His Olympic Debut
Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen stunned the world by winning three gold medals in his first Olympic appearance, dominating downhill, team combined, and super-G events.
Before him, only Toni Sailer had achieved a similar feat back in 1956. Von Allmen’s journey is even more inspiring considering he once worked as a carpenter in Bern to fund his skiing career — proof that determination can build champions.
4. Alysa Liu’s Spectacular Comeback After Retirement
Dubbed the “Ice Angel”, Alysa Liu returned from retirement to capture gold in both the women’s singles and team figure skating events.
Her victory ended a more than 20-year gold medal drought for the United States in women’s singles figure skating. After stepping away from the sport following Beijing 2022, Liu’s return showcased maturity, resilience, and renewed confidence.
5. Choi Gaon Upsets Chloe Kim in Women’s Halfpipe
Seventeen-year-old Choi Gaon delivered a stunning final run to score 90.25 points and win the women’s halfpipe title.
She defeated her idol Chloe Kim, preventing the American star from securing a third consecutive Olympic gold medal. The victory made Choi one of the youngest champions in Winter Olympic history in this discipline.
6. Federica Brignone’s Unbelievable Return From Injury
Just ten months before the Games, Federica Brignone suffered severe leg fractures and a complete knee dislocation.
Competing on home snow in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the 35-year-old Italian defied expectations by winning gold in both the super-G and giant slalom events — a comeback widely described as almost impossible.
7. Hilary Knight’s Perfect Olympic Farewell
In her fifth and final Olympic appearance, Hilary Knight helped Team USA capture the women’s ice hockey gold medal.
Her crucial equalizer forced overtime, setting the stage for an American victory. It was a fitting and emotional ending to a legendary career.
8. Matt Weston’s Double Gold Triumph in Skeleton
British skeleton athlete Matt Weston secured two gold medals, marking the peak of his career.
Having previously suffered two serious back fractures that once threatened his mobility, Weston’s achievement stands as a testament to extraordinary perseverance and mental strength.
9. Marianne Fatton and Oriol Cardona Coll Make Skimo History
The 2026 Games marked the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering (skimo).
Marianne Fatton claimed the first women’s gold for Switzerland, while Oriol Cardona Coll won the inaugural men’s title for Spain — writing the first chapter in Olympic skimo history.
10. Lindsey Vonn’s Courageous Return at 41
At 41, Lindsey Vonn returned to the Olympic stage seeking one more challenge.
Although her campaign ended early due to a crash just seconds into her run, her determination and fearless spirit once again demonstrated why she remains one of the sport’s most admired icons.
11. Francesca Lollobrigida Secures Host Nation’s First Gold
Francesca Lollobrigida delivered Italy’s first gold medal of the Games by winning the women’s 3,000m speed skating event in 3:54.28 — breaking the previous Olympic record.
Her victory electrified the home crowd and symbolized the pride of a host nation rising to the occasion.
12. Team USA Wins Men’s Ice Hockey Gold After 46 Years
In a dramatic final, the United States defeated Canada in overtime thanks to a decisive goal from Jack Hughes.
This marked America’s first men’s ice hockey Olympic gold medal since 1980, ending a 46-year wait and signaling a powerful return to the top of the sport.
