As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina reach their midway point on Sunday, February 15, the atmosphere in the Italian Dolomites is electric. All eyes are on American superstar Mikaela Shiffrin, who sits in seventh place after her first run in the Women’s Giant Slalom, aiming to mount a comeback in the second run scheduled for later this morning. Meanwhile, Team USA continues to climb the overall medal standings, fueled by historic performances on the speed skating oval and a resilient showing from its winter athletes.

Mikaela Shiffrin Hunting for Podium in Giant Slalom

The headline story of Day 9 is Mikaela Shiffrin’s quest for redemption. After a disappointing fourth-place finish in the team combined event earlier this week, Shiffrin returned to the slopes today for her signature event, the Giant Slalom. In her opening run, the two-time Olympic gold medalist clocked a time that placed her seventh, trailing leader Federica Brignone of Italy by 1.02 seconds.

While the gap to gold is significant, the podium remains within reach. Shiffrin, known for her technical precision and ability to handle pressure, is just 0.56 seconds off the bronze medal position. "The skiing was there in spots, but I need to let it go more in the second run," analysts reported. The second run, scheduled for 7:30 a.m. ET, promises high drama as Shiffrin attempts to claw back time against a stacked field that includes Sweden's Sara Hector and Germany's Lena Duerr.

Jordan Stolz Leads Team USA's Gold Rush

While Shiffrin battles on the slopes, American speed skater Jordan Stolz has cemented his legacy as one of the greats of the Milano-Cortina Games. The 21-year-old phenom secured his second gold medal of the Olympics on Saturday, winning the Men’s 500m in an Olympic record time of 33.77 seconds. This victory adds to his earlier gold in the 1000m, making him the first American male to win both sprint distances at a single Winter Games since Eric Heiden in 1980.

Stolz’s dominance has been a major boost for the 2026 Winter Olympics medal count. Team USA currently sits in third place in the gold-medal standings, trailing only powerhouse Norway and host nation Italy. Key contributions include:

  • Jordan Stolz: Gold in Men's 500m and 1000m Speed Skating.
  • Breezy Johnson: Gold in Women's Downhill.
  • Team USA Figure Skating: Gold in the Team Event.

Despite these highs, the U.S. faced a shock in men's figure skating, where world champion Ilia Malinin finished eighth. The event saw a historic upset as Mikhail Shaidorov won Kazakhstan's first-ever Olympic figure skating gold.

International Highlights: Klaebo and Braathen Make History

Beyond Team USA, the Milano-Cortina Games have delivered unforgettable moments. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen stunned the world on Saturday by winning gold in the Men’s Giant Slalom, securing Brazil’s first-ever Winter Olympic medal. His victory has been hailed as a breakthrough moment for South American winter sports.

In cross-country skiing, Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo continues his assault on the record books. Having already won his eighth career gold medal in the 10km Interval Start on Friday, Klæbo is competing today in the Men’s 4x7.5km Relay. A win would give him a record-breaking ninth gold, surpassing compatriot Bjørn Dæhlie as the most decorated male Winter Olympian of all time. The relay event is currently underway, with Norway favored to take the top spot despite a strong challenge from France.

Winter Games Schedule Today: What to Watch

As Sunday unfolds, several key events will determine the next shifts in the Milano Cortina 2026 standings. Here is the schedule for the remainder of February 15:

  • Alpine Skiing: Women’s Giant Slalom Run 2 (7:30 a.m. ET) – Shiffrin chases a medal.
  • Ice Hockey: Team USA Men vs. Germany (3:10 p.m. ET) – Crucial group stage matchup.
  • Bobsleigh: Women’s Monobob Heats – Americans Elana Meyers Taylor and Kaysha Love sitting 2nd and 3rd after early runs.
  • Cross-Country Skiing: Men’s 4x7.5km Relay – Klaebo chases history.

With the Games reaching a fever pitch, Team USA is well-positioned to add to its medal haul. Fans should keep a close watch on the bobsleigh track, where the U.S. women are performing exceptionally well, and the ice hockey rink, where the men’s team looks to solidify their seeding.