Week One at the Winter Olympics: Team USA’s Fast Start, Early Stumbles, and What’s Next
Krish Dhokia 
Week One action from the Winter Olympics 2026 as Team USA opens strong in Milano-Cortina
The first week of the Winter Olympics delivered exactly what fans expect from the world’s biggest winter stage: breakthrough performances, narrow misses, and the opening chapters of stories that will define the Games. From the slopes of Cortina to the ice in Milan, Team USA has already experienced the full emotional swing of Olympic competition.
Team USA: The Wins That Set the Tone
The United States wasted no time announcing its presence.
Breezy Johnson captured Team USA’s first medal of the Games, and it was gold. Her victory in the women’s downhill was both dominant and historic, marking the first U.S. gold in the event in nearly two decades. Johnson attacked the course with precision and confidence, setting a tone of aggression that has energized the American team.
In figure skating, the U.S. delivered another signature moment by winning the team event. Anchored by world-class performances and highlighted by the composure of Ilia Malinin, Team USA edged out a deep international field in one of the tightest finishes of the opening week. The win reaffirmed America’s depth and consistency on the ice.
Where Team USA Fell Short
Not every American effort ended with hardware.
U.S. mixed doubles curling battled through close matches but dropped a crucial contest to Italy, putting medal hopes in jeopardy as the bracket phase approaches. In several alpine and freestyle skiing events, American athletes posted competitive runs yet finished just outside the podium, a reminder of how razor-thin margins are at this level.
These near-misses sting, but they also position Team USA well as events shift from qualifying heats to medal rounds.
Global Highlights Beyond the Stars and Stripes
The first week belonged to more than just the United States.
Italy thrilled home fans with standout performances in speed skating, continuing a strong showing across multiple disciplines. Switzerland’s dominance in freestyle skiing was on full display, while traditional powerhouses like Canada, Germany, and China quietly built early momentum with consistent podium appearances.
The international balance has been clear: no single nation is running away with the Games, setting up a dramatic second week.
What’s Coming This Week: Key Events to Watch
As the Olympics move deeper into competition, several marquee events are set to unfold:
- Ice Hockey: Both men’s and women’s tournaments are entering decisive stages, with Team USA positioned as a serious contender.
- Alpine Skiing: Slalom and giant slalom events will offer medal opportunities, with veterans and newcomers alike chasing podiums.
- Figure Skating: Individual events take center stage after the team competition, drawing massive global attention.
- Sliding Sports: Bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge begin their most intense phases, where fractions of a second separate medals from heartbreak.
- Speed Skating: Longer-distance races are expected to reshuffle the medal table as endurance and strategy come into play.
American fans are particularly watching for potential medal runs from stars like Mikaela Shiffrin, whose best events are still ahead.
First-Week Takeaways
One week into the Games, the message is clear: Team USA is competitive, confident, and very much in the hunt. Two gold medals have already validated the preparation and depth of the roster, even as missed opportunities underline how unforgiving Olympic competition can be.
With many of the most anticipated events still to come, the second week of the Olympics promises higher stakes, louder moments, and performances that will define legacies. The opening act delivered drama. The main event is just getting started. For more coverage, check out THIS SPORTS
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