Five Gold Medals Awarded on Opening Day
The Olympic Games in Italy have already delivered drama, speed, and national celebration as the medal table begins to take shape at Milano Cortina 2026. On the first full day of competition, five gold medals were awarded across alpine skiing, speed skating, snowboard big air, ski jumping, and cross-country skiing. As a result, several nations made an immediate impact on the Winter Games. Moreover, early victories have set the tone for what promises to be an intensely competitive fortnight in northern Italy.
Switzerland Strikes Gold in Downhill
Switzerland opened its account in spectacular fashion after Franjo von Allmen claimed gold in the men’s downhill. The reigning world champion attacked the demanding Stelvio course and clocked a winning time of 1 minute 51.61 seconds. Consequently, Switzerland secured one of the marquee medals of the Games. Von Allmen’s victory also continued the country’s rich Olympic downhill tradition. With that result, Switzerland immediately positioned itself among the early leaders in the standings.
Italy Celebrates Home Success
Host nation Italy wasted no time celebrating gold on home snow and ice. Francesca Lollobrigida delivered a powerful performance to win the women’s 3,000-meter speed skating event. Therefore, Italy ignited the home crowd and boosted national morale on day one of the Olympic Games in Italy. In addition, Dominik Paris earned bronze in the men’s downhill, giving Italy multiple podium finishes in the opening sessions. These early medals have energized Italian supporters and strengthened the host nation’s confidence.
Japan, Norway and Sweden Join the Leaders
Japan added its name to the gold medal list when Kira Kimura soared to victory in the men’s snowboard big air competition. His technical precision and amplitude impressed judges and spectators alike. Meanwhile, Norway’s Anna Odine Stroem captured gold in the women’s normal hill ski jumping event. As a result, Norway reinforced its long-standing strength in Nordic disciplines. Sweden also stepped onto the top of the podium after Frida Karlsson powered to victory in the women’s cross-country skiathlon. Consequently, Scandinavia once again demonstrated its depth in endurance and ski events.
Strong Performances From Global Contenders
Although the gold medals have been shared among several nations, powerhouse teams continue to position themselves for major medal pushes. The United States remains a leading contender in snowboarding, freestyle skiing, figure skating, and ice hockey. American athletes narrowly missed early podiums in several events, yet analysts expect the United States to surge as more finals unfold. Furthermore, Team USA traditionally builds momentum throughout the Games.
Canada also prepares for medal opportunities in curling, hockey, and speed skating. Canadian teams often peak during the second half of the Olympic schedule. Therefore, experts anticipate Canada climbing the medal table in the coming days. Similarly, the United Kingdom targets podium finishes in skeleton, bobsleigh, and curling. British athletes have shown consistent progress in sliding sports, and strong qualifying performances suggest medals may follow soon.
France and Germany Eye Technical Events
France remains competitive across alpine skiing, biathlon, and freestyle events. French athletes narrowly missed podium positions in early competitions, yet multiple medal chances remain. Moreover, France’s balanced team depth could translate into steady results throughout the Games.
Germany, meanwhile, focuses heavily on luge, bobsleigh, and biathlon. Germany traditionally excels in precision-based winter sports, and analysts expect its medal tally to rise quickly once sliding events begin. As a result, the current standings may shift dramatically over the next several days.
Spain and Australia Build Momentum
Spain continues to pursue breakthrough moments in alpine skiing and snowboarding. While Spain has not yet reached the podium, competitive finishes have signaled progress. Additionally, younger Spanish athletes have gained valuable Olympic experience that may pay dividends in upcoming events.
Australia remains a serious medal threat in freestyle skiing and snowboarding. Australian competitors qualified strongly for several finals, and expectations remain high. Therefore, Australia could soon join the growing list of medal-winning nations at the Olympic Games in Italy.
Medal Race Just Getting Started
At this early stage, the medal table reflects a broad international spread rather than domination by one single country. Switzerland, Italy, Japan, Norway, and Sweden each celebrated gold on day one. However, many marquee events remain ahead, including figure skating finals, alpine super-G races, and ice hockey tournaments. Consequently, the standings are likely to evolve rapidly.
The Olympic Games in Italy have only just begun, yet the intensity and global representation already define Milano Cortina 2026. With powerhouse nations such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and Australia preparing for key events, the medal race promises constant movement and dramatic moments. As competition continues across snow and ice, the battle for Olympic glory is only heating up.
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