Team USA Shines at Winter Olympics with Historic Moments

From hockey gold to inspiring individual triumphs, the U.S. team delivered unforgettable performances in Milan Cortina

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The United States had a standout performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, winning 33 medals and finishing second overall. Beyond the medal count, the U.S. team delivered a series of truly inspirational and historic moments, from the women's hockey team's dramatic gold medal win over Canada to individual triumphs by athletes like Jessie Diggins, Elana Meyers Taylor, and the resurgent figure skater Alysa Liu. These seven moments stood out as the most memorable and meaningful achievements for Team USA.

Why it matters

The U.S. team's success at the Winter Olympics not only brought pride and excitement to American fans, but also highlighted the growth and development of winter sports in the country. Events like the women's hockey gold and Diggins' gutsy bronze medal showcase the U.S. as a rising power in traditionally European-dominated disciplines. These breakthroughs also inspire the next generation of winter athletes and help grow the fanbase for these sports.

The details

The U.S. women's hockey team's gold medal victory over Canada was a dramatic comeback, with veteran captain Hilary Knight tying the game late before Megan Keller scored the winner in overtime. Cross-country skier Jessie Diggins raced to a bronze medal just days after suffering a serious rib injury, collapsing at the finish line in pain. Freestyle skier Alex Ferreira landed a stunning final run to capture gold in the halfpipe, while bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor finally won her first Olympic gold at age 41 after a decorated career. Short track speedskater Corinne Stoddard overcame mental health struggles to reach the podium, and figure skater Alysa Liu delivered a joyful, celebratory performance to win gold just two years after retiring. The U.S. men's hockey team also won a thrilling gold medal game over Canada, with Jack Hughes scoring the overtime winner after losing some teeth.

  • The U.S. women's hockey team won gold on February 23, 2026.
  • Jessie Diggins won bronze in the 10km freestyle on February 18, 2026.
  • Alex Ferreira won gold in freestyle halfpipe skiing on February 19, 2026.
  • Elana Meyers Taylor won gold in monobob on February 13, 2026.
  • Corinne Stoddard won bronze in short track 1500m on February 17, 2026.

The players

Hilary Knight

Veteran captain of the U.S. women's hockey team.

Megan Keller

U.S. women's hockey player who scored the gold medal-winning goal in overtime.

Jessie Diggins

U.S. cross-country skier who won bronze despite a serious rib injury.

Alex Ferreira

U.S. freestyle skier who won gold in the halfpipe event.

Elana Meyers Taylor

U.S. bobsledder who won her first Olympic gold medal at age 41.

Corinne Stoddard

U.S. short track speedskater who overcame mental health struggles to win bronze.

Jack Hughes

U.S. men's hockey player who scored the overtime winner against Canada.

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What they’re saying

“It's easy to stress and think 'this isn't how it was supposed to happen.' But there are always so many things that are totally out of our control.”

— Jessie Diggins, U.S. cross-country skier (Instagram)

“I am greatness, and this is my moment. I can feel it in my bone marrow.”

— Alex Ferreira, U.S. freestyle skier

“Parenting my two sons with disabilities has done everything for me. If I win medals or lose medals, it doesn't matter because I'm still mom to them.”

— Elana Meyers Taylor, U.S. bobsledder (NBC)

“Every person on that ice understands what Stoddard lived through. It's not how you start, it's how you finish.”

— Katherine Reutter-Adamek, NBC broadcaster (NBC)

“I'm so proud to be an American today.”

— Jack Hughes

What’s next

The U.S. women's hockey team and Canada are expected to continue their fierce rivalry, with a potential rematch at the 2027 World Championships.

The takeaway

The U.S. team's standout performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics, highlighted by a series of historic and inspiring individual and team achievements, showcased the country's growing dominance in winter sports and the ability of these athletes to captivate audiences with their skill, perseverance, and joy.