Thrilling Finish at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics: France Secures 19 Medals, Hockey Final Set
The Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, continue to deliver captivating moments, with Thursday, February 19, 2026, proving to be a particularly successful day for France. The French delegation added to its medal count, reaching a total of 19, fueled by impressive performances in ski alpinism and other events. Meanwhile, anticipation builds for the highly anticipated women’s ice hockey final, a rematch of the 2022 gold medal game between the United States and Canada. The American team enters the contest as the favorites, having delivered a dominant 5-0 victory over their northern rivals during the preliminary round.
The burgeoning sport of ski alpinism, making its Olympic debut at these Games, has already provided several memorable moments, and Thursday was no exception. Emily Harrop secured a silver medal in the sprint event, a thrilling display of athleticism that combines skiing, running, and descending. Thibault Anselmet added to the French tally with a bronze medal in the men’s sprint, further solidifying France’s position as a force in this latest Olympic discipline. Both athletes are now setting their sights on the mixed relay event scheduled for Saturday, where they will aim to upgrade their medals to gold. The ski alpinism events are being held in Bormio, Italy, and have quickly become a spectator favorite due to their dynamic and fast-paced nature.
France’s Medal Haul and Mixed Results in Other Events
Beyond the success in ski alpinism, France similarly saw mixed results in other competitions. The French team in the Nordic combined sprint event, comprised of Marco Heinis and Maël Tyrole, finished ninth, falling short of their medal aspirations. Despite a strong start in the ski jumping portion of the event, they lost ground during the cross-country skiing segment, ultimately finishing over three minutes behind the victorious Norwegian team. Jens Luras Oftebro of Norway secured his third gold medal of the Games, adding to his previous victories in the small and large ski jumping events, alongside teammate Andreas Skoglund.
In speed skating, Valentin Thiébault concluded his participation in the 1500m event, finishing 17th in the final. The French contingent also had athletes competing in figure skating and ski halfpipe. Lorine Schild, despite qualifying for the free skate as the last competitor, will attempt to climb the ranks and break into the top 20. Unfortunately, the qualification round for the ski halfpipe, featuring Vincent Maharavo, was postponed until Friday due to unfavorable weather conditions and limited visibility at the Livigno venue.
The Road to the Women’s Ice Hockey Final
All eyes are now on the women’s ice hockey final, a clash between the United States and Canada that promises to be a captivating spectacle. Here’s a rematch of the 2022 Olympic final, where Canada emerged victorious. However, the United States has demonstrated their dominance throughout the tournament, particularly with their convincing 5-0 win over Canada in the group stage. This result has positioned the Americans as the clear favorites heading into the championship game, scheduled for 19:10 local time. The final will be a test of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude as both teams vie for the coveted gold medal.
A New Sport Captures Olympic Attention
The inclusion of ski alpinism in the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has been widely praised for adding a fresh and exciting dimension to the Games. As Franceinfo reports, the discipline, although different from traditional ski mountaineering, offers a visually stunning and physically demanding competition. The sprint format, in particular, has proven popular with audiences, showcasing athletes’ versatility and endurance. Emily Harrop’s silver medal and Thibault Anselmet’s bronze have not only boosted France’s medal count but have also helped to raise the profile of this emerging Olympic sport.
French Athletes Continue to Compete
Beyond the events concluded on Thursday, several French athletes are still in contention for medals. Lorine Schild’s performance in the figure skating free skate will be closely watched, as she aims to improve upon her 24th-place finish in the short program. The postponement of the ski halfpipe qualifications provides Vincent Maharavo with an extra day to prepare for the competition, though weather conditions remain a concern. The coming days promise further excitement and opportunities for France to add to its growing medal tally.
Key Takeaways
- France has secured 19 medals at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, thanks to strong performances in ski alpinism.
- Emily Harrop won silver, and Thibault Anselmet took bronze in the ski alpinism sprint events.
- The United States and Canada are set to compete in the women’s ice hockey final, a rematch of the 2022 gold medal game.
- The ski halfpipe qualifications, featuring Vincent Maharavo, have been postponed due to weather conditions.
- Ski alpinism, a new addition to the Olympic program, has proven to be a popular and exciting event.
As the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics progress, the competition continues to intensify. The coming days will undoubtedly bring more thrilling moments and unforgettable performances. Stay tuned for further updates as athletes from around the globe battle for Olympic glory. The next major event to watch is the women’s ice hockey final, where the United States and Canada will settle their rivalry on the ice.
What are your thoughts on the Games so far? Share your predictions and favorite moments in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow sports enthusiasts!
