The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics rolled on Sunday with several major storylines unfolding across the mountains and ice of Italy. From redemption bids to title defenses, Team USA had plenty at stake.
All eyes were on Mikaela Shiffrin as she returned to the giant slalom, an event she previously won at the 2018 PyeongChang Games. Widely regarded as one of the greatest skiers in history, Shiffrin entered the race looking to rebound after a disappointing result in the women’s team combined earlier in the week. Despite owning two Olympic gold medals and a silver, questions have followed her Olympic journey — making Sunday another pivotal chapter in her decorated career.
On the oval, Erin Jackson aimed to defend her 500-meter speedskating gold medal. Her breakthrough victory four years ago ended a decades-long U.S. medal drought in the event. After finishing sixth in the 1000-meter earlier this week, Jackson returned to her signature distance seeking another podium finish and a chance to cement her legacy as one of the sport’s top sprinters.
In snowboard cross, 44-year-old Nick Baumgartner was back on course to help defend Team USA’s mixed team gold medal. Baumgartner, who won the inaugural event in Beijing alongside Lindsey Jacobellis, teamed up this time with Faye Thelan. With Jacobellis now in the broadcast booth, Baumgartner continued his remarkable Olympic run as one of the oldest competitors in the field.
Meanwhile, the U.S. men’s hockey team faced Germany in its final group-stage game. After convincing wins over Denmark and Latvia, the Americans looked to build momentum heading into the knockout rounds. A sharper start was a focus after slower openings in earlier games. Tournament co-favorite Canada also took the ice Sunday against Switzerland, adding to a packed hockey schedule.
With medal races intensifying and headline athletes taking center stage, Day 8 of the Milan Cortina Games delivered drama, redemption opportunities and championship stakes across multiple events.
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