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Cortina d'Ampezzo Focuses on Cross-Country Skiing

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 6:31 GMT by Austin American-Statesman
      Locales: Trentino-Alto Adige, Lombardy, Valle d'Aosta, ITALY

Cortina d'Ampezzo: A Nordic Focus

The day began early in Cortina d'Ampezzo with the cross-country skiing events. The men's 15km classical race showcased the stamina and technique of the world's top long-distance skiers. While final results were still being tallied at the time of reporting, early indications suggested a tight battle between Norway's Johannes Hosflot Klaebo and Russia's Alexander Bolshunov, both consistently dominant forces in the sport. The women's 10km classical shortly followed, with Sweden's Ebba Andersson looking strong after a series of impressive performances in the lead up to the Olympics. The classical technique, demanding precision and efficiency, provided a stark contrast to the free-style events planned later in the games.

Antholz-Anterselva: Biathlon Precision Under Pressure

The biathlon events at Antholz-Anterselva tested athletes' ability to combine cross-country skiing with rifle shooting. The men's 10km pursuit saw athletes starting based on their results from a previous race, creating a dynamic and challenging contest. Clean shooting was crucial, and any missed targets meant incurring penalty loops, significantly impacting final standings. Germany's Johannes Thingnes Bo, a biathlon powerhouse, was the athlete to watch, and based on preliminary reports, he was successfully navigating the course and the shooting range. The women's 7.5km pursuit followed a similar format, and France's Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, a consistent medal contender, was aiming to add to her Olympic tally. The pressure of the pursuit format often leads to dramatic shifts in the leaderboard, making it a fan favorite.

Livigno: Freestyle Skiing - Women's Moguls Take Center Stage

Switching gears to aerial athleticism, Livigno hosted the women's moguls competition. This event demands a unique blend of speed, agility, and technical skill as athletes navigate a course covered in large moguls (snow bumps). American athletes have historically excelled in this discipline, and all eyes were on Tessa Johnson, a rising star who had been dominating the World Cup circuit. The judges assess both speed and the quality of the aerial maneuvers performed on the moguls, resulting in a visually stunning and technically challenging competition. The moguls course is notoriously demanding, and crashes are common, adding an element of risk and excitement.

Milan: Ice Hockey Heats Up

The ice hockey tournament in Milan delivered a series of intense matchups. Canada faced Switzerland in a clash of contrasting styles, with Canada's known for its offensive firepower and Switzerland praised for its defensive organization. The USA battled Kazakhstan, seeking to establish dominance in their group. These early-round games are crucial for seeding in the playoff stage. Later in the evening, Sweden and Czechia squared off, promising a physical and tactical battle between two European hockey giants. The final game of the day saw Finland take on Norway, a Nordic rivalry guaranteed to ignite the atmosphere in the arena. Hockey games are consistently among the most popular events at the Winter Olympics, with passionate fans from all nations filling the venues.

Cortina d'Ampezzo & La Thuile: Curling and Ski Jumping Add to the Drama

Alongside the other events, a round robin session of curling provided strategic gameplay and team camaraderie. The precision and finesse required in curling often earn it the moniker "chess on ice." Over in La Thuile, the mixed team ski jumping event provided a thrilling spectacle of aerial prowess. This event, a relatively recent addition to the Olympic program, allows nations to field teams comprised of both male and female jumpers, creating a dynamic and equitable competition.

The day's events demonstrate the incredible diversity of skills and athleticism showcased at the Winter Olympics. With several days of competition still ahead, the stage is set for more unforgettable moments and the crowning of new Olympic champions.