The Winter Olympics 2026 live updates continue to draw global attention as competition officially gets underway in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. With early medals already decided and several high-profile events on the schedule, the opening phase of the Games is setting the tone for what is expected to be an intense and closely watched Olympic fortnight.
Athletes from around the world are competing across Italy’s iconic winter venues, while fans follow medal ceremonies, team matchups, and the first Olympic appearances of some of the sport’s most anticipated stars. From alpine skiing to figure skating and women’s hockey, the Games have entered their first full rhythm.
Early Medals Awarded at the Milan-Cortina Games
The first medals of the Winter Games were awarded earlier today, marking the official start of podium competition at the 2026 Olympics. As part of the Winter Olympics 2026 live updates, alpine skiing delivered the initial gold medal, with Switzerland claiming an early victory that placed the nation on the medal table within hours of competition beginning.
Olympic officials have confirmed that additional medal events are scheduled throughout the day, including races in cross-country skiing, ski jumping, snowboarding, and speed skating. The early awards provide a glimpse into the competitive balance expected throughout the Games, with traditional winter sports powerhouses already asserting their presence.
Packed Medal Schedule Across Winter Sports
Several disciplines are contributing to a full medal schedule during the opening days of competition. Events include women’s cross-country skiing races, ski jumping from the normal hill, men’s snowboard Big Air, and women’s speed skating over middle-distance races.
Each event tests a different aspect of athletic performance, ranging from endurance and technique to speed and aerial control. Organizers have emphasized that the diversity of events reflects the evolving nature of the Winter Olympics, which continues to expand its appeal to global audiences.
Team USA Women’s Hockey Opens Olympic Campaign
One of the most closely followed events in the Winter Olympics 2026 live updates is women’s ice hockey, where Team USA is scheduled to face Finland in an early group-stage matchup.
The game follows a brief disruption for the Finnish team, whose previous contest was postponed after a reported norovirus outbreak affected several players. Olympic organizers have stated that health and safety protocols remain in place, and the match is expected to proceed under close medical supervision.
Women’s hockey has become one of the marquee Olympic sports for U.S. audiences, with Team USA consistently competing for medals. Early group matches often set the tone for later knockout rounds.
Ilia Malinin Makes Highly Anticipated Olympic Debut
Figure skating fans are closely watching the Olympic debut of Ilia Malinin, one of the most talked-about athletes entering the Milan-Cortina Games, according to ongoing Winter Olympics 2026 live updates.
Malinin, widely known for his ability to execute complex quadruple jumps, enters the competition with significant expectations. His Olympic appearance marks a major milestone in his career and adds a fresh storyline to this year’s Games.
How Fans Are Following the Games
Viewership remains strong as audiences follow Winter Olympics 2026 live updates across broadcast and digital platforms, accessing live streams, highlight packages, and real-time medal trackers throughout the day.
Digital coverage has become central to how fans experience the Games, offering flexible viewing options and constant updates as events unfold across multiple venues.
Early Momentum Builds as Competition Expands
With the first medals awarded and high-profile athletes beginning their Olympic journeys, momentum is building quickly at the Milan-Cortina Games. Team competitions are expected to intensify in the coming days, while individual events move closer to their medal rounds.
What Comes Next at the Winter Olympics
As the Games continue, Winter Olympics 2026 live updates will track standout performances, unexpected results, and the evolving medal race shaping the overall narrative of the competition.
For now, the opening phase has delivered a strong start, combining early podium finishes with the arrival of new Olympic stars and long-anticipated matchups.