The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, predictably delivered two weeks of athletic brilliance from the best winter athletes in the world. It’s easy to see why the Olympics is so popular regardless of whether you watch the summer or winter variants, and even though the summer version may take more of the plaudits, the Winter version made a very good showing of itself as well.
Although winter sports are traditionally dominated by countries with colder climates, the Olympic movement has increasingly become a global stage. Nations with smaller winter sport programs, including South Africa, continue to take part and contribute to the diversity of the Games. At the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, South Africa sent its largest Winter Olympic team ever, with five athletes competing across alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, skeleton, and cross-country disciplines – a milestone that reflects the gradual growth of winter sport participation beyond traditional strongholds.
While a medal still remains elusive for Team South Africa, the country’s presence at the Winter Games highlights how the Olympics bring together athletes from vastly different sporting cultures and climates.
For readers interested in how global sporting events connect with audiences and athletes in specific countries, you can learn more here about the wider landscape and sports enthusiasts in South Africa.
There is so much here that narrowing down this list has been an incredible challenge in itself!
Alysa Liu Ends a 24-Year Wait for U.S. Figure Skating Gold
One of the most emotional moments of the Games came in the women’s figure skating competition, when American skater Alysa Liu captured the gold medal. In doing so, she became the first American woman in 24 years to win Olympic gold in that event since 2002.
As well as the wait, what made the victory even better was Liu’s perseverance. She had previously decided to step away from competing in 2022, so many weren’t even expecting her to be present in the event, let alone go on to win a medal.
Besides singles gold, Liu also helped her nation secure gold in the figure skating team event, showcasing her versatility and skill as both a team player and individual.
Breezy Johnson’s Redemption in Alpine Skiing
While Liu had chosen to step away from competing in 2022 of her own volition, this wasn’t the case for Breezy Johnson. She had suffered a serious injury during a World Cup race, leading to serious questions about the impact on her career.
Yet, against the odds, she managed to climb back to the peak of her abilities to claim the US’ first gold of the Games. Even more spectacular, it was on the exact same course that she had suffered a potentially career-ending injury just four short years ago.
Johnson’s redemption arc was achieved through sheer perseverance. While many would have been unable to face their fears in such a way, she not only faced her doubts but conquered them unquestionably.
Team USA’s Dramatic Ice Hockey Gold Medal
The men’s ice hockey is easily one of the standout events of the Winter Olympics, and the script could hardly have been written for the final any better.
The USA and Canada both take great pride in their hockey teams, and many Canadians compete at the highest level in the NHL. As such, the 2026 final was just as much about bragging rights as it was national pride.
Ultimately, it was the US who came out on top in a thrilling contest that finished 2-1 in overtime, coming from behind to claim the win. What’s more, this was made all the sweeter by the fact that it was America’s first Olympic gold in the men’s event for 46 years!
Even if you weren’t an American, the match was simply one of the most entertaining watches of the games. And as the last event before the closing ceremony, it will remain one of the most memorable events of the Winter Olympics for a long time.
Jutta Leerdam’s Olympic Record in Speed Skating
Just making the cut for the Olympics is hard enough, as it requires a level of sacrifice most of us can’t even begin to comprehend. So to then go ahead and break the Olympic record in the process of winning gold really is something else entirely.
Records may exist to be broken, but very few people are good enough to get anywhere near close enough to doing so. Yet Jutta Leerdam did just that, achieving an incredible time of 1:12.31 in the women’s 1,000 metre speed skating. In a sport where fractions of a second make all the difference, Leerdam put clear daylight between herself and the opposition, showing herself to truly be the best in the world.
This wasn’t the only glory that Leerdam would end the games with, as she also claimed silver in the 500 metre race, contributing to a truly memorable games for both herself and her country.
The Stunning Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics
Before the events had even begun, the games began in style with an incredible opening ceremony that showcased Italy’s heritage and culture with pride.
The 2026 games stood out from the start as they took place across northern Italy rather than being held in one place, and the opening ceremony leaned into this flawlessly by incorporating multiple cities into its patriotic display.
First impressions are vital to overall perception, and the Italians could hardly have put on a better showing if they tried. Right from the start you could tell that these games would be memorable, and the opening ceremony left everyone eagerly anticipating what was to come.
The Legacy of Milano Cortina 2026
The Olympic flame may have been extinguished, but the 2026 Winter Games have left a legacy to be proud of.
From upsets to career-defining victories, the Olympics truly delivered one incredible spectacle after the other, and reminded us why the Olympics, regardless of whether it takes place in winter or summer, is truly the biggest sporting event in the world.
These are just five of the many unforgettable moments of the 2026 Winter Olympics, and for those who watched the games live, these events and many more will remain stories that are remembered for many years to come.
