Team USA Delivers Gold and Grit at Olympics

American athletes shine with dramatic performances at the Milan Cortina Games

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina featured a series of standout performances by Team USA athletes, including gold medals in women's slalom and women's monobob, as well as silver medals in cross-country skiing and big air. However, there were also some heartbreaking moments, such as Ilia Malinin's free skate collapse and Amber Glenn's emotional short program.

Why it matters

The Olympics provide a global stage for athletes to showcase their skills and represent their countries. Team USA's mix of triumphs and disappointments reflects the unpredictable nature of elite competition and the perseverance required to reach the pinnacle of one's sport.

The details

Mikaela Shiffrin captured Olympic gold in women's slalom, redeeming herself after a disastrous showing four years earlier in Beijing. Elana Meyers Taylor won gold in women's monobob, fulfilling a longtime goal, while teammate Kaillie Humphries took bronze. Ben Ogden and Gus Schumacher earned silver in the Olympic team sprint for cross-country skiing. However, Ilia Malinin's free skate mistakes dropped him from first to eighth place, and Amber Glenn's missed element in the short program dashed her medal hopes.

  • Mikaela Shiffrin won gold in women's slalom on Wednesday.
  • Elana Meyers Taylor won gold in women's monobob.
  • Ben Ogden and Gus Schumacher earned silver in the Olympic team sprint.

The players

Mikaela Shiffrin

An American alpine skier who captured Olympic gold in women's slalom at the Milan Cortina Games.

Elana Meyers Taylor

An American bobsledder who won gold in women's monobob, fulfilling a longtime goal.

Kaillie Humphries

An American bobsledder who won bronze in women's monobob.

Ben Ogden

An American cross-country skier who, along with teammate Gus Schumacher, earned silver in the Olympic team sprint.

Gus Schumacher

An American cross-country skier who, along with teammate Ben Ogden, earned silver in the Olympic team sprint.

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The takeaway

Team USA's performance at the Milan Cortina Olympics showcased the resilience and determination of American athletes, who overcame setbacks to deliver gold medals, podium finishes, and dramatic moments that captivated audiences worldwide.