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Milan-Cortina 2026: Thrilling Day of Winter Olympic Competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 4:31 GMT by USA Today
      Locales: Lombardy, Valle d'Aosta, ITALY

Milan-Cortina, Italy - Sunday, February 15th, 2026 - The Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are in full swing, and today promises a thrilling day of competition across a diverse range of winter sports. From the precision of curling to the adrenaline-fueled speed of snowboardcross, and the delicate artistry of ski jumping, fans are in for a treat. USA TODAY Sports is providing live coverage, bringing you all the action as it unfolds.

Today's schedule is packed, kicking off early with women's curling round robin matches at 7:30 AM Eastern. The strategic complexities of curling, often dubbed "chess on ice," will be on full display as teams battle for positioning in the tournament. This round robin stage is crucial for securing a spot in the later playoff rounds, and every stone counts.

Immediately following, at 8:30 AM Eastern, the mixed team ski jumping competition takes center stage. This relatively new Olympic event demands a blend of skill and teamwork. Each team consists of two male and two female jumpers, requiring strategic ordering to maximize their combined score on the HS137 meter hill. The unpredictable nature of wind conditions and the pressure of representing their nation makes this event a captivating spectacle.

As the morning progresses, the high-octane world of snowboarding takes over with the women's snowboardcross at 9:00 AM Eastern. This event is a thrilling head-to-head race down a course filled with jumps, berms, and rollers. Expect aggressive riding, close finishes, and potential crashes as competitors jostle for position and vie for a spot on the podium. The physicality and speed involved make snowboardcross a perennial fan favorite.

At 9:30 AM Eastern, the women's monobob competition begins. This event, making its Olympic debut in Beijing 2022, showcases the athleticism and skill of female bobsledders piloting a single-person sled down the icy track. Precision steering, perfect timing, and unwavering focus are essential for navigating the course and achieving the fastest time. The monobob has quickly become a highlight of the Winter Games, offering a unique challenge for athletes.

The morning continues with the men's luge singles at 10:30 AM Eastern. Luge, often described as "lying down downhill," demands incredible nerve and control. Athletes plummet down the icy track on their backs, reaching speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour. The slightest mistake can lead to disaster, making it a nerve-wracking event to watch. The subtle adjustments and precision required to steer the sled are a testament to the athletes' skill.

Next up, at 11:00 AM Eastern, is the women's skeleton competition. Similar to luge, skeleton athletes race headfirst down the track, but they begin with a running start and slide on a sled steered with subtle body movements. The combination of speed, athleticism, and precision makes skeleton a thrilling and demanding sport.

The day culminates with the men's alpine skiing slalom at 12:00 PM Eastern. This technically challenging event requires skiers to navigate a course of tightly spaced gates. Speed and agility are key, but so is precision. A single mistake can result in disqualification, making it a high-pressure event for even the most experienced skiers. The slalom is a true test of skill and determination.

Where to Watch

For viewers in the United States, Peacock is offering extensive live streaming coverage of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. In addition, NBC is broadcasting select events, so be sure to check your local listings for specific times and channels. The network's coverage aims to bring the excitement of the Games to a broad audience.

Athletes to Watch

While specific athlete spotlights are still developing, several competitors are expected to contend for medals today. In curling, watch for the Canadian and Swedish teams, perennial powerhouses in the sport. In ski jumping, the Norwegians and Austrians are consistently strong contenders. The snowboardcross field is wide open, with several athletes capable of taking home the gold. The monobob is expected to see fierce competition between American, German, and Canadian athletes. Luge and skeleton will feature athletes from countries with strong winter sport traditions like Germany, Latvia and Russia (participating as neutrals). Finally, the men's slalom will feature veterans like Clement Noel and young stars looking to make their mark.

Stay tuned to USA TODAY Sports for continuous updates, scores, and highlights from the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics!