The 2026 winter Olympics held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo Italy have officially finished. Norway finished on the top with 41 total medals, 18 being gold, the United States in second with 33 medals, and the host country Italy finishing with 30 in 3rd. Despite a few exceptions, the Olympics this winter were full of record breaking finishes and amazing turnouts for not only the United States but for everyone.
One of the biggest stories coming into the Olympics this year was Minnesota native Lindsey Vonn. At 41 years old, and fresh off an ACL tear just weeks before the start of the olympics, she chose to go out and go for gold in the alpine skiing event for the United States despite a six year retirement and very questionable health.
Despite the amazing story, and weeks of training, Lindsey Vonn crashed and fell in her very first race of the games just about 13 seconds into her run. The brutal fall broke many bones in her body and required a medical helicopter airlift to assist her to the hospital.
The most impressive medal this winter was the United States men’s hockey team stealing gold in overtime versus the heavily favored Canadians. Center Jack Hughes after getting his front tooth chipped earlier in the match, scored a fast break goal to win the gold medal match for the U.S 2-1 for the first time since the miracle on ice 46 years ago.
“I woke up early that Sunday to watch the game. It was surprisingly fun. I’ve heard of the Miracle on ice before and apparently this was almost just as good,” sophomore Aaron Sokolosky said.
American Born speed skater Jordan Stolz performed amazing in the olympics this year leaving with 3 medals in the 500, 1000, and 1500 meter races. At just 21 years old, Stolz should be someone to watch for years to come.
“My favorite moment was when Jordan Stolz won the speed skating for the Americans. It was cool because I got to see him race a couple of times at the petit center prior to the olympics so it was cool to see him win gold,” senior Sean Libal said.
“I enjoy watching the speed skating because they train here in Wisconsin and over the years many US speedskaters are from the area. My cousin’s ex-husband is a two-time Olympian and I got to try on his opening ceremony coat from Nagano and that was a real geeked-out moment for me,” Sign Language teacher Jennifer McCauley said.
Now that the Winter Olympics have concluded, fans look forward to the summer olympics held in Los Angeles in 2028 with new events like flag football and even Cricket.
