Milan-Cortina 2026: Records shattered, gold and glory captured

The Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina continued to captivate fans on Monday as athletes pushed their limits, records were broken , and dramatic moments unfolded across multiple venues. Dutch speed skating star Jutta Leerdam stole the spotlight in the women’s 1000m event, claiming gold and setting a new Olympic record. Her dominant performance confirmed her as one of the early standouts of these Games, with fellow competitors also delivering strong races.

The host nation Italy celebrated a thrilling victory in mixed doubles curling, narrowly edging the United States 7‑6 in a tense encounter. Stefania Constantini’s pivotal four-point end swung momentum in Italy’s favor, sending the home crowd into raptures. Meanwhile, Team USA successfully defended its Olympic figure skating team title, edging Japan by a single point in a nail-biting finish. Ilia Malinin’s clutch free skate secured gold for the Americans, while Italy earned a spirited bronze medal performance that delighted local supporters.

Monday also featured a packed schedule of freeski and snowboard finals , men’s team combined alpine skiing, and women’s ice hockey action. Spectators were treated to breathtaking athleticism, daring tricks, and high-speed runs on snow and ice. Beyond the medals, the Games have drawn global attention for innovative first-person view drone shots , giving fans immersive, “real-life video game” perspectives of every jump, twist, and descent.

Not all moments were celebratory. Officials are investigating reports of medals breaking shortly after ceremonies, while unseasonably warm weather and melting snow posed operational challenges at several venues, highlighting the growing impact of climate change on winter sport. Yet despite these challenges, the Winter Olympics continue to deliver unforgettable moments and record-breaking performances, keeping the world’s attention firmly on the Italian Alps as the race for medals intensifies.