Highlights from Winter Olympics 2026: Thursday, February 12

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have already delivered the kind of drama, precision, and emotional intensity that define the very best of winter sport. Set against the breathtaking alpine landscapes of Italy, the Games have become more than a global competition—they’re a stage where experience meets youth, resilience meets opportunity, and every second can reshape history. From lightning-fast finishes on the ice to gravity-defying performances on snow, each event has revealed not just technical mastery, but deeply personal journeys unfolding in real time.

What makes these Games especially compelling is the range of stories emerging from every venue. Veterans continue to extend their legacies with remarkable consistency, proving that longevity at the highest level is no accident. At the same time, rising stars are seizing defining moments, announcing themselves with fearless performances that signal a generational shift. Home-nation athletes have drawn powerful energy from roaring crowds, transforming pressure into unforgettable triumphs. Meanwhile, razor-thin margins and unexpected comebacks have reminded fans that Olympic competition is never predictable—only relentless.

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Across disciplines, the Milano Cortina stage has highlighted the full spectrum of athletic excellence: endurance tested over punishing distances, explosive speed measured in fractions of a second, and technical precision executed under immense scrutiny.

By the time Thursday, February 12 unfolded in full, the narrative was clear: this was a day shaped by mastery, resilience, and defining performances. Records were challenged, expectations tested, and the emotional stakes felt as sharp as the competition itself.

Federica Brignone

Federica Brignone of Italy reacts at the finish in the women’s alpine skiing Super G race during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre. Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

Sport: Alpine Skiing – Women’s Super-G
Medal: Gold

Federica Brignone’s victory felt deeply symbolic—especially in front of a home crowd that had followed her remarkable comeback from injury. Racing with both experience and tactical intelligence, she handled challenging conditions like a veteran who refuses to fade. Her triumph carried emotional weight, proving that resilience can be as powerful as raw speed. For Italy, it was a golden moment of inspiration and pride.

Xandra Velzeboer

Sport: Short Track Speed Skating – Women’s 500m
Medal: Gold

Xandra Velzeboer skated with blistering speed and composure, dominating one of short track’s most intense events. Her performance reinforced her reputation as a technical powerhouse who thrives under pressure. Every stride looked controlled, purposeful, and fearless around tight corners. The gold confirmed what many already believed—she’s redefining the limits of the 500m sprint.

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Arianna Fontana

Sport: Short Track Speed Skating – Women’s 500m
Medal: Silver (13th Olympic medal overall)

Arianna Fontana added yet another chapter to one of the most decorated careers in Winter Olympic history. Skating with the composure of a veteran who has seen every kind of race unfold, she secured her 13th Olympic medal—a milestone that underscores her extraordinary longevity. The home crowd energy seemed to lift her in crucial moments, especially through the tight turns. Even after years at the top, she still races with the hunger of someone chasing her very first podium.

Francesca Lollobrigida

Sport: Speed Skating – Women’s 5,000m
Medals: Gold

Francesca Lollobrigida delivered a dominant performance across distance skating, claiming two gold medals in commanding fashion. Her Olympic-record 3,000m race was a masterclass in pacing—controlled early, relentless late. She followed it with another triumph in the 5,000m, proving her endurance and mental discipline are among the best in the world. Competing on home ice, she turned pressure into momentum and skated straight into Italian sporting history.

Luge – Team Relay

Gold: Germany
Silver: Austria
Bronze: Italy

Germany once again showed why it remains the benchmark nation in luge, executing a relay run defined by precision and flawless timing. Austria pushed hard to stay within reach, delivering a fast and technically sharp performance worthy of silver. Italy’s bronze ignited the home fans, who roared as the team secured a podium finish in front of a passionate crowd. The relay captured everything thrilling about luge—speed, teamwork, and razor-thin margins.

Alessandro Hämmerle

Sport: Snowboard Cross – Men’s
Medal: Gold (back-to-back Olympic champion)

Alessandro Hämmerle defended his Olympic title with a fearless and controlled ride through a stacked final at Livigno Snow Park. His racing style—calm at the top, explosive through the technical sections—once again proved decisive. Winning back-to-back gold medals confirmed his place among snowboard cross’s modern greats. He didn’t just defend a title—he reinforced a legacy built on precision under pressure.

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Éliot Grondin

Sport: Snowboard Cross – Men’s
Medal: Silver

Éliot Grondin surged through the course with aggressive speed and sharp tactical awareness. He challenged for gold until the final stretch, refusing to give an inch in one of the day’s most electrifying races. His silver reflects both technical growth and competitive maturity on the Olympic stage. The performance showed he’s firmly among the sport’s elite contenders.

Jakob Dusek

Sport: Snowboard Cross – Men’s
Medal: Bronze

Jakob Dusek delivered a powerful and composed run to secure Austria another medal in a stacked field. His race featured smart line choices and strong recovery after tight sections of the course. The bronze rewarded persistence and technical control in a chaotic discipline where small mistakes can be costly. He stood on the podium as part of a memorable Austrian showing.

Conclusion

As the competition continues, the Milano Cortina Games are already shaping a legacy defined by intensity, inspiration, and unforgettable performances. Each day brings new champions, new milestones, and new moments that resonate far beyond the arenas and slopes. Together, these highlights reveal what makes the Olympics enduringly powerful—the ability to unite skill, emotion, and human determination on one extraordinary global stage.

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