The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are proving to be a rollercoaster of emotions for Canadian athletes, with standout performances in hockey, unexpected turns in figure skating, and an emotional farewell for a veteran speedskater. Here’s a closer look at the key highlights from Friday’s events.
Figure Skating Upset: Malinin’s Fall and Gogolev’s Rise
The men’s figure skating free skate unfolded with drama as Canada’s Stephen Gogolev secured a commendable fifth place, while American star Ilia Malinin faced a shocking collapse. Malinin, who had entered the competition as the frontrunner for gold, faltered under pressure, suffering two falls that relegated him to eighth place overall.
Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov seized the opportunity, clinching the gold medal with an impressive performance, while Japanese athletes Yuma Kagiyama and Shun Sato took silver and bronze, respectively. Gogolev’s strong free skate earned him a total score of 273.78, trailing Shaidorov by 17.8 points, showcasing his potential on the Olympic stage.
Dominant Display from Canada’s Men’s Hockey Team
In men’s hockey, Canada continued its strong showing in the tournament by defeating Switzerland 5-1, marking their second consecutive victory. The Canadian squad dominated the match, outshooting their opponents 39-25. Goals came from a roster of stars, including Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, Thomas Harley, and Macklin Celebrini.
Switzerland’s only goal came from Pius Suter during a power play in the first period, but it was not enough to challenge Canada’s momentum. Goaltender Logan Thompson made his Olympic debut, successfully keeping the Swiss team at bay. With a record of 2-0 and a goal differential of 10-1, Canada is firmly positioned as a contender for the gold.
Curling: A Day of Mixed Outcomes
Canada’s curling teams experienced a split day at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium. The men’s team, led by skip Brad Jacobs, enjoyed a successful outing, winning both of their matches. They overcame American Daniel Casper with a score of 6-3 in the morning, followed by an 8-6 victory against defending champion Niklas Edin from Sweden.
Conversely, Rachel Homan’s women’s team faced disappointment, suffering a close 9-8 defeat to the United States. Coach Heather Nedohin remained positive, acknowledging the challenges of adjusting to the ice conditions early in the tournament. “Welcome to the first half of the week when you’re still learning the ice, learning the rocks, and getting your emotions in check,” she remarked, highlighting the team’s resilience.
Emotions Run High for Ted-Jan Bloemen’s Farewell
In a poignant moment, Canadian speedskater Ted-Jan Bloemen bid farewell to his Olympic career after competing in the men’s 10,000-metre long-track event. Finishing ninth, Bloemen received a heartfelt sendoff, completing a victory lap to the cheers of the crowd. Once a dominant force in the event, Bloemen reflected on his journey, describing his final Olympic appearance as a “beautiful goodbye.”
The 39-year-old skater previously secured gold and silver medals at the Pyeongchang Olympics, and his presence at these Games will be felt long after his departure from competitive sport.
Why it Matters
The events of Friday at the Milan Cortina Games underscore the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the Olympics. For Canada, the combination of standout performances and emotional farewells encapsulates the spirit of the Games. As athletes navigate their journeys, both triumphs and setbacks serve as reminders of the dedication and resilience required to compete at the highest level. With more events on the horizon, the stage is set for Canada to continue making its mark in Milan Cortina, inspiring fans and future athletes alike.
