Women's Downhill Skiing: Adrenaline and Precision
Locales: Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Valle d'Aosta, Piedmont, ITALY

A Day Packed with Action: Key Events on February 19th
The day kicks off with the adrenaline-fueled Women's Downhill Alpine Skiing (Peacock, starting at 7:00 a.m. Eastern). Downhill skiing is arguably one of the most visually spectacular and dangerous Olympic events. Athletes reach breathtaking speeds, navigating treacherous courses with precision and courage. The Italian slopes of Cortina d'Ampezzo are renowned for their challenging terrain, making this competition particularly demanding. Expect fierce competition as skiers from nations like Switzerland, Austria, and the United States vie for the coveted gold medal.
Simultaneously, the Women's Monobob (USA Network, 7:00 a.m. Eastern) gets underway. This is a historic event - the first time women will compete in monobob at the Olympic Games. Monobob, where athletes pilot a single-person bobsled, demands incredible upper body strength, technical skill, and unwavering focus. Its inclusion underscores the growing push for gender equality in winter sports, providing female athletes with more opportunities to showcase their talents on the Olympic stage. The event is expected to draw a large audience eager to witness this groundbreaking competition.
Beyond the speed and thrill of downhill and bobsled, strategic precision takes center stage with Curling Round Robin matches (USA Network, 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Eastern). Often described as 'chess on ice,' curling demands a unique combination of physical prowess and mental acuity. Teams strategically slide stones across the ice, aiming to position them closer to the target than their opponents. The round robin format ensures a comprehensive competition, allowing teams to test their skills against a diverse range of opponents.
Beyond the Schedule: Trends and Notable Events
The 2026 Olympics are also highlighting trends in winter sports. Freestyle Skiing (Peacock, 9:00 a.m. Eastern - Qualifying) continues to grow in popularity, with athletes pushing the limits of creativity and athleticism in events like slopestyle, halfpipe, and aerials. The qualifying rounds today will determine which athletes advance to the finals, promising a spectacular display of aerial maneuvers.
In team sports, the Ice Hockey matches (USA Network, 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Eastern) are always highly anticipated. Today's matches, Canada vs. Switzerland and Sweden vs. Czechia, promise intense rivalry and skillful gameplay. Ice hockey has a rich Olympic history, and these matches represent a continuation of long-standing competitive traditions.
Luge (USA Network, 9:00 a.m. Eastern - Run 1) demands incredible courage and precision as athletes hurtle down an icy track at breakneck speeds, lying face up on a small sled. The men's singles event is a testament to the athlete's ability to maintain control and navigate the winding course.
Finally, Women's Snowboardcross (Peacock, 9:00 a.m. Qualifying, 11:00 a.m. Finals) offers a unique and dynamic spectacle. This event combines the speed of snowboarding with the intensity of head-to-head racing, making it a thrilling watch for spectators.
The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics are not just about witnessing athletic prowess; they're about celebrating the evolution of winter sports, promoting inclusivity, and inspiring a new generation of athletes. Today's events represent a microcosm of this broader Olympic spirit.
Read the Full USA Today Article at:
[ https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/19/olympics-milan-cortino-schedule-events-thursday/88742317007/ ]