At the Winter Olympics 2026, the figure skating arena witnessed a dramatic showdown as French skaters narrowly defeated their American rivals to claim gold in a breathtaking final. The French pair delivered a near-flawless routine filled with technical precision, graceful lifts, and confident landings that impressed both judges and spectators.
The American team pushed them to the limit with a powerful and energetic performance, but a small deduction ultimately made the difference on the scoreboard. For Britain, however, the wait for a podium finish continues. Despite determined efforts and steady improvement in recent seasons, British skaters once again fell short of the medals, extending the nation’s drought at the Winter Games. Fans praised the resilience of the athletes, noting that the competition was tighter than ever. As celebrations erupted for France, questions now turn to how Team USA and Great Britain will regroup and prepare for future international events.
Winter Olympics 2026 : France Edges USA in Ice Dance Thriller
The highlight of the day came in the ice dance final, where France secured gold in a razor-tight contest against the United States. Laurent Beaudry Fournier and Guillaume Cizeron delivered a technically smooth and artistically refined performance that ultimately earned them a winning free dance score of 135.64. Their total was just under a point clear of the American pair.
There had been tension earlier when one of Beaudry Fournier’s opening elements was reviewed and slightly downgraded for exiting a turn early. However, their overall quality, balance and understated elegance impressed the judges enough to hold onto the lead they had carried from the rhythm dance.
The American duo, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, performed a dramatic and theatrical routine set to an orchestral arrangement of “Paint It Black.” Dressed entirely in black, with Chock wearing a striking red half-skirt that flared during spins and lifts, they leaned fully into storytelling. Their expressive eye contact and innovative closing sequence earned them 134.67 in the free dance and 224.39 overall. It guaranteed silver, but gold slipped away by the smallest of margins.
Canada completed the podium. Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier delivered a van Gogh-inspired program set to “Starry Starry Night.” Their routine was precise and emotionally charged, pushing them into medal position with a total of 217.74. They celebrated through tears, knowing they had secured bronze.
Britain’s Medal Hopes Fade Again
Great Britain had strong hopes for Lewis Gibson and Lilah Fear, who entered the final group with a realistic chance of challenging for a medal. Their Scottish-themed routine opened confidently, blending traditional music with powerful lifts and energetic choreography.
However, during a critical twizzle sequence, Fear briefly lost balance. She did not fall, but the stumble forced her to regain rhythm mid-element. In a discipline where perfection is required, that moment proved costly. They recovered impressively and completed a spectacular spinning lift sequence to close, yet their free dance score of 118 left them outside medal contention.
They ultimately finished seventh overall. Even without the stumble, they likely would not have reached the podium, but the mistake added emotional weight to an already difficult result.
Norway Dominates Nordic Combined
Norway continued its long tradition of excellence in Nordic combined. Jens Luraas Oftebro claimed gold in the demanding event that merges ski jumping and cross-country skiing. Norway’s depth and consistency in winter sports once again showed through, and the nation remains at the top of the overall medal standings.
Controversy Surrounds Biathlon Victory
France also celebrated gold in the biathlon, where Julia Simon delivered under intense scrutiny. Her participation had been controversial after accusations that France’s Olympic authorities had managed her suspension in a way that allowed her to compete.
Despite the off-track discussion, Simon performed with composure and precision. She handled the shooting stages cleanly and maintained strong pace on the course, crossing the finish line ahead of her rivals to secure gold.
Jordan Stolz Confirms His Greatness in Speed Skating
In the men’s 1000m speed skating final, American star Jordan Stolz lived up to his growing reputation. Stolz has dominated the distance this season, winning every World Cup race at 1000m and previously sweeping the 500m, 1000m and 1500m at the world single-distance championships.
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The Olympic race was not without controversy. Dutch champion Joep Wennemars was hampered by a collision that disrupted his rhythm, leaving him unable to challenge for gold. Stolz skated with control and confidence, securing victory in what felt like the confirmation of an expected result.
Jennings de Boo took silver for the Netherlands, while China’s Ning Zhongyan earned bronze. Stolz is now widely viewed as a potential multi-gold medalist before these Games conclude.
USA Celebrates One-Two Finish in Moguls
The United States dominated the women’s moguls event with a one-two finish. Elizabeth Lemley claimed gold with a technically sharp and composed run, while Jaelin Kauf secured silver. Their consistent landings and controlled speed separated them from the rest of the field.
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It was another strong statement from Team USA, adding to an already productive day across disciplines.
Italy Triumphs in Luge Doubles
Italy enjoyed a remarkable double success in luge. Earlier, Andrea Voetter and Marion Oberhofer captured gold in the women’s doubles event. Their strong first run placed pressure on competitors, and they held their nerve to remain at the top.
In the men’s doubles, Emanuel Rieder and Simon Kainzwaldner produced an impressive comeback. After sitting third following the opening run, they delivered a clean and fast final descent. They then watched as higher-ranked rivals failed to match their time. The Italians moved into gold medal position, completing a memorable sweep in doubles luge events.
Snowboard Halfpipe Qualifying Intensifies
Men’s halfpipe qualification also drew attention. Australia’s Scotty James topped the early scores with a strong first run, while Japanese riders Yuto Totsuka and Ayumu Hirano improved on their second attempts to remain firmly in contention.
Jake Pates of the United States managed to sneak into the final qualifying position with a late improvement. In a display of sportsmanship, Korean rider Lee Jio congratulated him warmly despite being edged out. The final promises high-risk, high-reward runs when competition resumes.
Curling Battles Continue
In men’s team curling, Great Britain defeated China 9-4 in round-robin action. The United States edged Czechia 8-7, while Italy overcame Sweden 7-6 in a tightly contested match. Canada and Germany required an extra end to determine their result, underlining how finely balanced the competition remains.
Medal Table and Momentum
As the day concluded, Norway continued to lead the overall medal table. France and the United States strengthened their positions with multiple gold medals, while Italy’s luge sweep provided a significant boost to its tally.
With medals awarded in ice dance and speed skating, qualification rounds completed in snowboarding, and team events still unfolding, the Winter Olympics once again delivered a blend of artistry, athleticism and raw emotion. Some athletes left the arena in tears of joy, others in quiet disappointment, but the competition continues — and more defining moments are still to come.