The wait is finally over. The 2026 Winter Olympics have officially shifted from the pageantry of the Opening Ceremony to the pulse-pounding reality of competition. Day 1 in Milan Cortina delivered immediate history, with the first Alpine skiing gold medal awarded on the treacherous slopes of Bormio and Team USA hockey making a statement in their quest to reclaim Olympic glory. As the world watches, the Italian Alps have come alive with the sounds of carving skis, roaring crowds, and national anthems.

Switzerland Strikes First Gold in Alpine Downhill Thriller

The honor of the first gold medal of the games went to Switzerland, setting a high bar for the competition to follow. In the prestigious Men’s Downhill at the Stelvio Alpine Skiing Centre in Bormio, Swiss sensation Franjo von Allmen stunned the field to claim the Alpine skiing gold medal. The course, known for its icy steepness and technical demands, tested the world's best, but von Allmen’s run was a masterclass in precision and speed.

Pre-race favorite Marco Odermatt also put on a spectacular show, ensuring Switzerland's dominance on the podium. For Team USA, veteran Ryan Cochran-Siegle, a silver medalist in Beijing 2022, led the American charge. While the U.S. team is still hunting for its first alpine podium of these games, the aggressive skiing shown on Day 1 promises a competitive series of races ahead in the Milan Cortina 2026 results.

Team USA Hockey Eyes Dominance vs. Finland

While the mountains crowned their first kings, the drama on the ice in Milan was equally intense. The Team USA hockey women's squad returned to the rink for a crucial Group A showdown against Finland. Fresh off a commanding 5-1 victory over Czechia in preliminary play on Thursday, the Americans looked to solidify their standing as gold-medal favorites.

Led by captain Hilary Knight, playing in her record-breaking fifth Winter Games, and rising star Taylor Heise, the U.S. offense applied relentless pressure. The matchup against Finland is always a physical and tactical battle, serving as a litmus test for a U.S. team determined to avenge their 2022 silver medal finish. With the Winter Olympics schedule 2026 packing games tight, every period counts towards seeding for the knockout rounds.

Figure Skating: The "Quad God" Takes Center Stage

The Team Event in figure skating continued to captivate fans at the Mediolanum Forum. All eyes were on American phenom Ilia Malinin, known as the "Quad God," as he took to the ice for the Men's Short Program. Malinin’s participation is a massive boost for the U.S. team's medal hopes. His ability to land gravity-defying jumps has revolutionized the sport, and his debut in Milan was one of the most anticipated moments of Day 1.

Speed Skating and Snowboarding Action Heats Up

Over at the oval, Olympic speed skating saw its first medals contested in the Women's 3,000m. The event, a grueling test of endurance and technique, saw fierce competition from the Dutch and Canadian teams. Team USA's Mia Manganello and the returning Erin Jackson are looking to make their mark on the speed skating track as the competition progresses through the week.

Meanwhile, in freestyle skiing and snowboarding, the energy was electric. The Men’s Snowboard Big Air final featured American hopeful Oliver Martin, who aimed to add to the Olympic medal count for the United States. The Big Air event, held against the backdrop of the Italian night sky, provided some of the day's most photogenic and adrenaline-fueled moments.

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Winter Olympics Schedule

As Day 1 concludes, the Olympic medal count has officially begun to tick upward. Sunday promises even more action with the Women's Downhill, the Men’s 10km + 10km Skiathlon in cross-country skiing, and the continuation of the figure skating team event. For fans tracking the Winter Olympics schedule 2026, the action is just getting started.

With medals already around necks and rivalries igniting on the ice, Milan Cortina 2026 is delivering on its promise of a spectacular return to the European heartland of winter sports. Stay tuned as we continue to bring you the latest updates, results, and stories from Italy.