Italy, Japan, and Norway Lead Early Medal Count at the 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are already delivering thrilling moments, despite the absence of swimming events. Competition officially began on February 4th with preliminary rounds in curling and ice hockey, but the Opening Ceremonies on February 5th truly ignited the Olympic spirit. As of February 6th, Italy, Japan, and Norway are tied at the top of the medal table, each with three medals – one gold, one silver, and one bronze. A total of seven nations have secured medals in the Games thus far.
Current Medal Standings
Here’s a look at the medal table after two official days of competition:
| Rank | Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Italy | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 1 | Japan | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 1 | Norway | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 4 | Sweden | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 5 | Switzerland | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 6 | Slovenia | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 7 | Canada | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 7 | China | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Italian Speed Skater Claims Historic Gold
Italian Francesca Lollobrigida delivered a stunning performance in the women’s 3,000m speed skating event, securing her first Olympic gold medal and setting a new Olympic record with a time of 3:54.28. This victory is particularly significant as it marks the first time Italy has ever won gold in the 3,000-meter distance. Lollobrigida, who previously won silver in the same event at the 2022 Olympics, celebrated her triumph on her 35th birthday, with her son Tommaso watching from the stands.
Japan Dominates Big Air Snowboarding
Japan made a strong statement in the men’s big air snowboarding event, achieving a 1-2 finish with Kira Kimura taking gold and Ryoma Kimata securing silver. This gold medal represents only the second major international medal for Kimura, following a bronze at the 2025 X Games. Notably, this is Japan’s first-ever gold medal in this event, a landmark achievement for the nation’s snowboarding program.
Swiss Skier Overcomes Adversity to Win Downhill Gold
Switzerland’s Franjo von Allmen captured the first gold medal of the Games in the men’s downhill alpine skiing event. Von Allmen’s journey to the podium is a testament to resilience, as he faced significant financial hardship after losing his father at age 17. Thanks to a community crowdfunding campaign, he was able to continue pursuing his athletic dreams, culminating in this Olympic victory. The silver and bronze medals in the event were claimed by Italians Giovanni Franzoni and Dominik Paris, respectively. Franzoni dedicated his performance to teammate Matteo Franzosowho tragically passed away in a skiing accident last September.
Sweden Sweeps Cross Country Skiing Podium
Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson of Sweden showcased their dominance in the women’s 20km cross-country skiing event, securing a 1-2 finish. Karlsson finished with a time of 53:45.2, leading her competitors by nearly 40 seconds. This marks Karlsson’s first individual Olympic medal, adding to her bronze medal in the 4x5km team relay from the 2022 Games.
Team USA Gains Early Advantage in Figure Skating
Team USA is off to a promising start in the team figure skating event, currently leading the field after the qualifying round. Madison Chock and Evan Bates led the ice dance portion of the competition, contributing 10 points to the team’s total. However, the Americans will face stiff competition from Japan as they aim to secure a medal tomorrow.
Beyond the medal events, the 2026 Winter Olympics are already generating buzz on social media.
Canadian figure skater Maddie Schizas highlighted the challenges faced by student-athletes when she posted an Instagram story revealing she emailed a professor requesting a homework extension due to the competition. As of today, she has yet to receive a response.
A heartwarming moment unfolded when River Schwaller, the baby son of Swiss mixed-doubles curling team members Briar Schwaller-Hurlimann and Yannick Schwaller, joined his parents on the ice after their preliminary round victory, showing a clear fascination with his mother’s broom.
Athletes are also searching for a new viral treat to replace the chocolate muffins that captivated the Olympic Village at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Currently, a chocolate lava cake is emerging as the frontrunner.
