The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan have been filled with both exhilarating triumphs and devastating setbacks, and Day 11 was no exception. As the world watched with bated breath, the competition intensified with a mix of stunning performances and heartbreaking disappointments that left spectators on the edge of their seats.
Alysa Liu Shines, But Teammates Struggle
In the highly anticipated women's figure skating short program, American sensation Alysa Liu delivered a captivating performance that earned her third place on the leaderboard. This was a remarkable comeback for the young skater, who had faced significant challenges in her road to the Olympics. However, her teammates Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito were unable to match her success, finishing several spots away from the podium.
What this really means is that Liu has a real shot at medaling in the final, potentially ending the U.S. women's figure skating gold medal drought that has lasted for over two decades. But the uneven performance of the American team also highlights the intense competition they face from powerhouses like Japan, who currently hold the top two spots.
Snow Sports Postponed Due to Adverse Weather
The extreme weather conditions in Livigno proved to be a major disruptor, as the women's snowboarding slopestyle final and the men's and women's freeski aerials competitions were postponed. Reuters reports that the adverse conditions, including heavy snowfall, forced organizers to push these events to a later date.
The bigger picture here is that the unpredictable weather is proving to be a significant challenge for the athletes and event organizers alike. As USA Today notes, this is not the first time weather has disrupted events at these Games, and it certainly won't be the last. The ability to adapt and overcome these obstacles will be crucial for athletes and officials as they navigate the remainder of the competition.
Team USA Women's Hockey Dominates, Advances to Gold Medal Match
In a display of sheer dominance, the U.S. women's hockey team crushed Sweden 5-0 to secure their spot in the gold medal game. Reuters reports that the American squad will now face off against their longtime rival, Canada, who defeated Switzerland 2-1 in the other semifinal match.
This is a historic moment for the U.S. women's hockey team, as they look to reclaim the gold medal they last won in 2018. The team's impressive performance throughout the tournament, highlighted by their dominant victory over Sweden, suggests they are poised to deliver another championship for Team USA.