The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, have showcased exceptional athletic performances, with several athletes achieving historic feats. From dominant displays in alpine skiing to remarkable comebacks and unprecedented achievements in ski jumping and cross-country skiing, the Games have been marked by moments of brilliance. The Swiss delegation, in particular, has enjoyed significant success, whereas Italy has celebrated triumphant returns from injury and long-standing legacies.
Leading the charge is Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen, who has captivated the world with a stunning triple gold medal haul in downhill, super-G, and team alpine skiing. This achievement places him in an exclusive club of alpine skiing legends, joining Toni Sailer (1956) and Jean-Claude Killy (1968) as the only skiers to achieve a similar feat at a single Winter Games – though Sailer and Killy’s triumphs came in the three individual events of the time. The success of von Allmen is a key part of a broader Swiss dominance in men’s alpine skiing, with the team securing four of the five gold medals available and eight of the fifteen possible podium finishes.
The Italian team has also delivered memorable performances, particularly highlighted by Federica Brignone’s inspiring return to form. Just ten months after suffering a double tibia-fibula fracture, the 35-year-ancient Brignone secured her first two Olympic titles in super-G and giant slalom. Her story is emblematic of the resilience and determination on display at the Games.
Italian Triumphs and Veteran Performances
Italy’s success extends beyond Brignone’s individual achievements. Arianna Fontana, also 35, has continued her remarkable Olympic career, becoming only the second athlete in history to win a medal at six consecutive Winter Olympics. With a total of 14 Olympic podium finishes, Fontana is now Italy’s most decorated Winter Olympian, according to Olympic.com. Francesca Lollobrigida, a descendant of the iconic actress Gina Lollobrigida, also shone brightly, securing a double victory in the 3000m and 5000m speed skating events in Milan.
Klaebo’s Historic ‘Grand Slam’ and Gu’s Continued Success
Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Klaebo achieved a rare “grand slam” by winning all six gold medals available in his sport. This unprecedented feat solidifies his position as one of the greatest cross-country skiers of all time. Klaebo’s six gold medals at the 2026 Games add to his already impressive tally of five Olympic titles, bringing his total to eleven. He is now the second-most decorated Olympian of all time, trailing only American swimmer Michael Phelps, who has 23 gold medals, according to CBS News.
Eileen Gu, the star of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, added to her medal collection in Livigno, securing a gold medal in halfpipe and two silver medals in slopestyle and big air. With six Olympic medals, the 22-year-old has become the most decorated freestyle skier in history.
French Dominance in Biathlon
The French biathlon team mirrored the Swiss success in alpine skiing, dominating the competition at Anterselva. They won six of the eleven events and secured podium finishes in all but one of the women’s pursuit races. Quentin Fillon Maillet, a five-time medalist at the 2022 Beijing Games, added four more medals to his collection – gold in sprint, mixed relay, and men’s relay, and bronze in the mass start – becoming the most decorated French Olympian of all time with nine medals. Julia Simon also achieved a triple victory, winning gold in the mixed relay, women’s relay, and individual events, joining Fillon Maillet, Jean-Claude Killy, and Martin Fourcade as French athletes who have won three Olympic titles at a single Games.
The 2026 Winter Olympics have not only showcased exceptional athletic talent but also compelling stories of resilience, dedication, and national pride. As the Games draw to a close, the performances of athletes like Franjo von Allmen, Federica Brignone, Johannes Klaebo, and Eileen Gu will undoubtedly be remembered as defining moments of the Milan-Cortina Games.
The closing ceremony will mark the end of the competition phase, but the legacy of these Games will continue to inspire athletes and fans alike. Attention will now turn to the preparations for the next Winter Olympics, and the ongoing development of winter sports around the world. Share your favorite moments from the Games and discuss the lasting impact of these performances in the comments below.
