Amber Glenn made headlines at the 2026 Winter Olympics, finishing fourth in the figure skating team event after a tough competition.
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially opened on February 6, 2026, with ceremonies held simultaneously in Milan's San Siro stadium and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The Games span over 350 kilometers across northern Italy, featuring 2,900 athletes from 90+ countries. The event blends Italian culture with global performances amid protests over U.S. ICE agents' advisory role and political tensions.
Several US athletes at the Milan Winter Olympics expressed mixed feelings about representing the US amid political and social issues at home. Their comments sparked backlash from political figures, social media, and fellow athletes, raising questions about patriotism and free expression during international sports events.
Ilia Malinin performed a backflip at the 2026 Winter Olympics, drawing praise and sparking discussions about racial bias. The move, called the 'Bonaly flip,' was pioneered by Surya Bonaly, a Black athlete whose legacy is now being re-evaluated amid the praise for Malinin's athleticism and the sport's evolving acceptance of diversity.
American figure skater Isabeau Levito expressed joy about her experience in Italy before her short program, despite her performance. Meanwhile, teammate Amber Glenn received a surprise endorsement from Madonna, boosting her confidence. US men's skater Ilia Malinin faced disappointment, finishing eighth after a challenging performance, marking a setback in his Olympic debut.
Hase and Volodin scored 80.01 points with a strong performance, including triple twists and a throw triple loop, leading the men's figure skating competition. Other competitors, including Georgia's Metelkina and Berulava, and Canada's Pereira and Michaud, follow closely. Japan's reigning champions face setbacks after a major mistake.
At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Chinese-American skier Eileen Gu wins gold, while American figure skater Alysa Liu secures historic victories. Several athletes withdraw from upcoming world championships amid ongoing media attention and personal updates, highlighting the evolving landscape of winter sports and athlete experiences.