Norway rules the mountain
Norway dominated from start to finish. The Scandinavians topped the medal table with 18 gold, 12 silver, and 11 bronze — 41 medals in total. Moreover, their 18 gold medals set a new all-time record for a single Winter Games, surpassing their own mark from 2022.
The greatest star was Johannes Høsflot Klæbo. The cross-country skier won six gold medals at these Games alone, becoming the first athlete in any sport to achieve that feat at a single Winter Olympics. Furthermore, his 11 career Olympic golds make him second only to Michael Phelps in overall Olympic gold history.
Team USA’s historic run
The United States finished second overall with 12 gold, 12 silver, and 9 bronze — 33 medals total. As a result, it was the most gold medals Team USA has ever won at a single Winter Olympics.
The highlights were many. Mikaela Shiffrin finally ended her eight-year Olympic medal drought by winning the women’s slalom by 1.5 seconds. In doing so, she became the first American Alpine skier to win three Olympic gold medals. Figure skater Alysa Liu won gold in the women’s individual event, ending a 20-year medal drought for the U.S. in that discipline. Additionally, both the men’s and women’s hockey teams defeated Canada in overtime to win gold on the same day.
Italy shines at home
The host nation had a tremendous Games. Italy finished fourth overall with 10 gold, 6 silver, and 14 bronze — 30 medals in total. The passionate home crowds played a significant role throughout the fortnight. Short track speed skater Pietro Sighel was a crowd favorite, winning gold in the men’s 1500m and helping deliver several emotional nights at the Palavela Arena in Turin.
The Netherlands and Germany follow
The Netherlands claimed third place overall with 10 gold, 7 silver, and 3 bronze — 20 medals. Speed skating was their dominant discipline. Germany, meanwhile, secured 8 gold, 10 silver, and 8 bronze for 26 medals total. France followed closely behind with 8 gold, 9 silver, and 6 bronze — 23 medals.
Historic firsts
These Games also wrote new chapters in Olympic history. Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won gold in the men’s giant slalom, becoming the first South American and first Latin American country to ever medal at a Winter Olympics. Georgia also claimed their first Winter Olympic medal in history. Both moments brought genuine joy to the entire world.
Furthermore, Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov won the men’s figure skating gold (the nation’s first ever in that discipline) with a breathtaking performance that included four quadruple jumps.
A games to remember
Milan and Cortina proved to be a worthy stage. Among the most emotional stories was Spain’s. Ski mountaineering made its Olympic debut, and Spain seized the moment. Oriol Cardona won gold in the men’s sprint, becoming the first Spaniard to win Winter Olympic gold since 1972.
Spain three medals total their best Winter Olympics result ever. From Shiffrin’s redemption to Hughes’ overtime winner, from Klæbo’s dominance to Spain’s historic breakthrough, the 2026 Winter Olympics reminded the world why the Games still matter.
The next stop is the French Alps in 2030. After Milan, they will be very hard to top.
