2026 Winter Olympics are in the news for athlete injuries, political debates, and record viewership—highlighting the event’s global impact and ongoing drama.
Norwegian skier Atle Lie McGrath withdrew from his race after an emotional breakdown linked to personal loss, while Swiss skier Loïc Meillard won gold. British skier Dave Ryding prepares for his final Olympics, aiming for a historic medal amid personal milestones. The stories highlight resilience and personal challenges during the Games.
Israel's first-ever Olympic bobsleigh team finished last but celebrated their participation, representing Israel amid geopolitical tensions and theft setbacks. The team aims to inspire future athletes despite regional conflicts and protests, with some members making history in their sports.
Ukraine seeks increased military and energy aid from European allies as Russian attacks intensify, targeting Kyiv's energy infrastructure and launching thousands of drones and missiles. Ukrainian athletes, including figure skater Marsak and ice dancer Kolesnik, continue competing internationally despite war hardships, symbolizing resilience amid ongoing conflict.
At the Winter Olympics in Livigno, Norway's Birk Ruud defended his big air title amid a competitive field, with American Mac Forehand leading qualifying. Athletes used music for motivation, but opinions varied on its impact on performance. The event showcased high-level tricks and resilience, with some skiers facing falls and setbacks.
Norwegian skier Johannes Høsflot Klaebo won his ninth gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, becoming the most successful Winter Olympian in history. Federica Brignone secured her second gold for Italy, while Mikaela Shiffrin's medal drought continued with an 11th-place finish. Controversies also emerged in curling.
Two athletes faced serious health setbacks before the Olympics but have recovered and are competing. Stellato-Dudek returned after a head injury and a foot fracture, while Beierl recovered from a stroke and surgery. Both aim to enjoy their final Olympic appearances.
A shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia has resulted in 10 deaths, including the suspect. Over 25 people were injured, with two in critical condition. The incident is the deadliest in Canada since 2020, prompting national mourning and flags at half-staff.
Jordan Stolz, 21, won gold in the men's 500-meter speed skating at Milan-Cortina 2026, setting an Olympic record of 33.77 seconds. He previously broke the 1,000-meter record and is aiming for multiple medals in upcoming events, establishing himself as a top contender.
Swedish skier Elis Lundholm, who was assigned female at birth and identifies as male, competed in women's moguls at the Milano Cortina Games. NBC misgendered him during coverage, but he remains the first openly transgender athlete at a Winter Olympics, competing under IOC rules. He finished 25th.
Lindsey Vonn, 41, suffered a complex tibia fracture during her downhill run at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. She underwent her fourth surgery and remains hospitalized in Treviso. Despite her injury, she emphasizes her determination to return to skiing and encourages support and hope.
Chloe Kim, a two-time Olympic snowboarding champion, failed to secure her third consecutive gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics after falling on her final runs. She was overtaken by 17-year-old Choi Ga-on of South Korea, who scored 90.25 on her last attempt. Kim, 25, had led after her first run but fell twice in her final attempts, ending with silver. The event was marked by controversy over scoring and the emergence of a young rival. Kim had previously won gold in 2018 and 2022, but her bid for a historic third was thwarted despite landing the sport's most difficult trick, a double-cork 1080. Her injury earlier this season and the intense competition highlight the unpredictability of Olympic snowboarding. The result signals a shift in the sport's landscape, with new talent challenging established champions.
Olympic athletes are consuming large amounts of pasta, especially in Italy, where it is promoted as a healthy, high-protein energy source. The campaign includes extensive marketing and free distribution at venues, emphasizing pasta's role in sports nutrition amid ongoing debates about athlete diets.
Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Milano Cortina Olympics after refusing to remove a helmet bearing images of Ukrainian war victims. The IOC cited non-compliance with athlete expression guidelines, despite Heraskevych's intent to protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The decision highlights ongoing tensions over political expression at the Games.
At the 2026 Winter Olympics, a series of disputes over 'double-touching' stones and monitoring protocols have led to rule clarifications and increased scrutiny. The controversy involves Canadian, British, and Norwegian teams, highlighting tensions between sportsmanship and officiating standards amid growing professionalism.
A video at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics shows a staff member shouting 'Free Palestine' at Israeli fans, leading to police involvement and the employee's removal. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and antisemitic behavior during the Games.
During the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, condom supplies were depleted within three days due to higher-than-expected demand. Organizers are replenishing stocks, highlighting the tradition of athletes taking condoms as gifts. The story underscores the ongoing focus on safe sex and athlete behavior at the Games.
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.
During the Winter Olympics in Cortina, Swiss commentator Stefan Reina criticized Israeli athlete AJ Edelman for social media posts supporting Israel's Gaza military campaign. RTS removed the segment, prompting responses from Edelman and Israeli officials, raising questions about neutrality and political expression at the Games.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy feature advanced drone tracking for sports and athletes using real-time feedback devices. Athletes also use personalized music to enhance performance, highlighting innovations in sports technology and athlete preparation amid ongoing competition.
Team USA's 2-1 overtime win over Canada at the Milan-Cortina Olympics drew a record 20.7 million viewers across NBC and digital platforms, making it the most-watched sporting event in U.S. history before 9 a.m. Eastern. The game marked a historic moment for American sports broadcasting.
During the Winter Olympics, President Trump joked about inviting both US men's and women's hockey teams to the White House, sparking controversy. The men's team attended the White House, while the women's team declined the invitation, citing scheduling conflicts. The incident has prompted discussions on respect and unity among athletes.
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.
Eileen Gu, a decorated Olympic freestyle skier competing for China, was celebrated at San Francisco's Lunar New Year parade, drawing both admiration and criticism. Her participation highlights ongoing debates over multicultural identity and national allegiance amid rising geopolitical tensions.
European infrastructure faces a surge of sabotage and cyberattacks linked to Russia since 2022. Incidents include arson, cyberattacks on utilities, and railway sabotage during major events, aiming to undermine support for Ukraine, spread discord, and drain resources. Authorities warn of Moscow's increasingly aggressive posture.
Lindsey Vonn is recovering from a severe leg injury sustained during the 2026 Winter Olympics. She underwent multiple surgeries for a complex tibia fracture and torn ACL, and is now progressing with rehab, including stationary biking. She remains undecided about her future in skiing.
WADA's executive committee plans to revisit a proposed rule in September that could block US officials, including President Trump, from attending major international sports events if the US continues withholding dues. The rule aims to address funding disputes and could impact upcoming Olympics and World Cup in the US.
Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, known as 'RikuRyu,' have won Japan's first Olympic gold in pair skating at the Milan Cortina Games. They initially finished fifth after an error but made a dramatic comeback with a world-record free skate, ending their career with a victory and announcing their retirement. They aim to promote pair skating in Japan.