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Winter Olympics 2026: Upsets, Victories, and Controversy

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 17:07 GMT by Daily Express
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

Winter Olympics 2026: Upsets, Victories, and Controversy Mark Day Six

Reporting live from the Winter Olympics, February 4th, 2026

The sixth day of competition at the Winter Olympics has delivered a thrilling mix of stunning victories, heartbreaking defeats, and unexpected controversy. From dominant performances in skicross to shocking upsets in freestyle skiing, and a worrying crash in snowboard cross, the Games continue to provide a captivating spectacle for fans worldwide. Norway continues to lead the medal count, but the competition is heating up as nations vie for supremacy.

Skicross Dominance: Norway and Austria Claim Gold

The skicross events proved particularly successful for Norway and Austria today. Norway's Kristine Harvik secured a decisive gold in the women's skicross, besting Canada's Brittany Pizey in a breathtaking race down the challenging course. The victory solidifies Norway's position at the top of the medal table. Shortly after, Austria's Andreas Illreitsch followed suit, claiming gold in the men's skicross. Compatriot Daniel Vogt took silver, demonstrating the strength of the Austrian skicross program. Germany's Jonas Lenzi secured bronze, rounding out the podium in a fiercely contested event.

Freestyle Shock: Ruud Stuns Hall in Halfpipe

The men's halfpipe competition delivered a major upset as Norway's Birk Ruud triumphed over American favorite Alex Hall. Ruud's flawless run, culminating in a technically demanding double cork 1800, proved to be the difference. The result sent shockwaves through the venue and ignited a firestorm on social media. Controversially, American personality Jake Paul took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disappointment, labeling Hall a "weak" skier and criticizing his performance. Paul's comments have been widely condemned by fans and fellow athletes as disrespectful and unsportsmanlike, prompting a debate about the role of celebrity commentary during the Olympics.

Team GB Heartbreak: Athlete Suffers Crushing Defeat

The day wasn't without its disappointments. A Team GB athlete suffered a devastating crash, resulting in their elimination from their event. While details regarding the athlete's identity and specific discipline have yet to be released, the incident has cast a shadow over the British delegation. The focus is now on providing support to the athlete and ensuring their well-being. The event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in winter sports and the dedication and courage of the athletes who compete.

Kim Eyes Second Gold, Danioth Leads Snowboard Cross Qualification

All eyes will be on American snowboarding icon Chloe Kim as she prepares to compete in the halfpipe later today. The Olympic veteran is a strong contender for her second gold medal, and fans are eager to witness her skill and artistry. In other snowboarding news, Switzerland's Aline Danioth demonstrated exceptional speed and technique, topping the charts in qualification for the women's snowboard cross. However, the qualification heats weren't without incident. Canadian snowboarder Jacob Elliott suffered a crash, raising concerns about his condition and potential participation in the main event. Medical teams attended to Elliott immediately, and further updates on his status are expected.

Looking Ahead: Friday's Schedule

Tomorrow, February 5th, promises another packed day of competition. Highlights include the Men's Freestyle Skiing Big Air, where athletes will push the boundaries of aerial innovation. The Women's Snowboarding Slopestyle will showcase the best in creative riding, while the preliminary rounds of both Men's and Women's Ice Hockey will get underway. Alpine Skiing fans can look forward to the Men's Combined event, and speed skating enthusiasts will be captivated by the Men's and Women's 500m Short Track races. The men's and women's Snowboard Cross finals, following today's qualification, are also highly anticipated.

Medal Standings (as of February 4th, 2026)

1. Norway: 12 Gold, 5 Silver, 8 Bronze
2. Germany: 8 Gold, 5 Silver, 4 Bronze
3. China: 5 Gold, 8 Silver, 4 Bronze
4. Team GB: 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze

The competition remains fierce, with several nations poised to challenge Norway's lead. The next few days are crucial as athletes battle for glory and the chance to etch their names into Olympic history.