On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, American athletes delivered standout performances at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, marking one of the most successful days for the United States in the ongoing Games. The achievements included a landmark victory in women’s ice hockey, historic medals in cross‑country skiing and curling, and significant momentum for Team USA as the Games progress.
The Winter Olympics,running from Feb. 6 to Feb. 22, 2026,features more than 200 U.S. athletes competing across 16 sports. This is the United States’ 25th appearance at the Olympic Winter Games, with Team USA fielding one of its largest delegations in recent history.
U.S. Women’s Ice Hockey Makes History
One of the headline achievements on February 10 came from the U.S. women’s national ice hockey team, which recorded a convincing 5‑0 win over rival Canada during the preliminary round of the Olympics. The victory was historic in several respects:
- The five‑goal margin represented the largest U.S. victory over Canada in Olympic women’s hockey history.
- Canada, traditionally a powerhouse in the sport, was shut out for the first time ever at the Olympics.
- The win secured the No. 1 seed in Group A for Team USA heading into the quarterfinals.
Key contributors included forward Hannah Bilka, who scored two goals, and Caroline Harvey, who added a goal and two assists. Defense and goaltending were equally dominant, with Aerin Frankel making 20 saves to preserve the shutout.
This triumph underscores the ongoing depth and competitiveness of the U.S. women’s program, which continues to ascend on the international stage. Historically, the U.S. and Canada have combined for every Olympic women’s hockey gold medal since the sport’s Olympic introduction in 1998, underscoring the significance of this lopsided victory in a long‑standing rivalry.
Cross‑Country Skiing Breakthrough
February 10 was also notable for Ben Ogden, an American cross‑country skier who secured a silver medal in the men’s sprint classic event. Ogden’s performance was particularly remarkable because:
- It marked the first Olympic cross‑country skiing medal for an American in 50 years, the last being Bill Koch’s silver in 1976.
- The 25‑year‑old finished just behind Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, one of the sport’s most decorated athletes.
Ogden’s silver not only elevates his personal profile but also reflects growing competitiveness by U.S. athletes in disciplines traditionally dominated by Nordic nations. His success may serve as a catalyst for increased visibility and support for American distance skiing programs.
Historic Curling Medal
Another milestone came in mixed doubles curling, where Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin earned the silver medal after a narrow 6‑5 loss to Sweden in the gold medal match. Thiesse’s result was historic:
- She became the first U.S. woman ever to medal in Olympic curling.
- The medal represents only the third curling medal in U.S. Olympic history and the first in the mixed doubles category.
The result highlights the broader growth of curling in the United States and the increasing depth of talent capable of competing with traditional curling powerhouses like Sweden and Canada.
Team USA’s Overall Momentum
The success on February 10 added to a larger medal haul for Team USA. By this stage of the Games, American athletes had accumulated multiple medals across various disciplines, including alpine skiing, figure skating, and luge, contributing to a rising position in the overall medal standings.
These results reflect not only individual excellence but also the depth of the U.S. Winter Olympic program, which continues to produce medal contenders across a broad spectrum of sports. With more events on the horizon, Team USA remains poised to build on its strong showing at the midway point of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Significance and Takeaways
The achievements of February 10 carry both sporting and cultural significance:
- The women’s hockey victory reinforces American strength in a sport that commands global attention, especially amid a historic rivalry with Canada.
- Ben Ogden’s silver medal signals a potential resurgence for the U.S. in cross‑country skiing, an event where Americans have traditionally struggled to reach the podium.
- Thiesse and Dropkin’s curling medal reflects growing parity and talent development in U.S. winter sports beyond traditional powerhouses.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics continue, Team USA’s performances on this day demonstrate both elite competitiveness and potential for further success on the world’s biggest winter stage.
