2026 Winter Olympics | Best Moments from Friday in Milan-Cortina, Italy
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina continued with another thrilling day of competition on Friday, featuring several standout performances and exciting events across multiple sports. These games — co-hosted by the fashion capital of Milan and the iconic alpine resort of Cortina — have delivered dramatic moments and fierce international rivalries.
One of the top stories of the day came in figure skating, where Ilia Malinin showcased his Olympic debut in the men’s free skate. The American star performed a series of technically demanding jumps, including his signature quadruple elements, pushing the boundaries of the sport and thrilling the crowd.
In snowboard halfpipe, American teenager Alessandro Barbieri impressed after qualifying fourth and earning a shot at medal contention in a competitive field that included veterans such as two-time Olympic medalist Scotty James.
Meanwhile, the U.S. women’s ice hockey team continued their dominant run with a quarterfinal matchup against Italy. The American squad, unbeaten in group play with a remarkable scoring margin, entered the game as heavy favorites as they pursued Olympic gold.
Alongside these marquee competitions, biathlon, speed skating, and other Nordic events filled the schedule throughout the day, further adding to the excitement in the early stages of these Olympic Games.