By Tj Coleman
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games held in Milano-Cortina, Italy saw the most exciting team action during competitions in Olympic history. Historically, ice skating and hockey have been the most popular winter Olympic events. Over recent years, this has shifted to snowboarding being the most anticipated based on the pure athletic skill needed, the creativity allowed, and the boldness of the tricks attempted. Contestants demonstrated their physical abilities, unique styles, and ultimate creativity on the snow. This year the USA teams finished with a total of 33 medals across all winter sports, making them among the top overall in standings.
The snowboarding competitions attracted global attention during the thrilling men’s big air competition. During this event athletes launch themselves off large, steep ramps while performing impeccably timed complex tricks. For the snowboarding events, the judges score each rider based on the level of difficulty for the ride, the height, their trick execution, and the style. The men’s big air event featured several incredible performances from riders around the world. Japan dominated the competition with Kira Kimura winning the gold medal and his teammate Ryoma Kimata taking the silver medal. China’s Su Yiming finished with the bronze medal.
American snowboarders also delivered strong performances throughout the various events despite not winning a gold medal. The only medal won by Team USA was from Jake Canter when he won bronze in the slopestyle. For Canter, this had to be a surreal accomplishment after being banned from the 2024 Winter Olympics due to a domestic violence incident. Several other teams, including young USA riders, showed a great deal of promise for future games.
For the women’s teams, the halfpipe competition had major highlights. During this event, riders go back and forth across a large U-shaped ramp while performing aerial tricks. While Japan dominated the women’s events, for Team USA Chloe Kim brought home a silver medal for the halfpipe. Kim added to her amazing record this year by demonstrating the experience necessary to perform under pressure.
Team USA brought home gold medals during the 2026 Winter Olympics in alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, hockey, and speed skating. Overall, this Winter Olympics proved to be successful for us.
Works Cited
“Silverthorne Snowboarder suspended by national team following X Games Aspen arrest.” Aspen Times, 2024. https://www.aspentimes.com/news/snowboarder-jake-canter-suspended-by-national-team-following-x-games-aspen-arrest/
