Day 11: Epic Big Air Battles, Italian Ice Glory & Historic Wins – Milan Cortina 2026.
Milan Cortina 2026 Day 11 Recap: Norway, Italy and France Shine in Olympic Thriller. Day 11: Epic Big Air Battles, Italian Ice Glory & Historic Wins – Milan Cortina 2026.
The Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics reached its midpoint on Day 11, February 17, with another packed schedule featuring high-flying freestyle skiing, high-speed skating, biathlon, bobsleigh, Nordic combined and ice hockey.
Six medal events went ahead despite heavy snowfall forcing the postponement of the women's snowboard slopestyle final to Day 12. The day delivered a mixture of breakthrough victories, dramatic comebacks and historic achievements.
Norway continued its impressive medal run, while hosts Italy enjoyed a memorable speed-skating triumph. France also celebrated a landmark biathlon victory, and Germany once again demonstrated its strength in bobsleigh.
For spectators, Day 11 underlined why the Winter Olympics remain one of the world's most unpredictable sporting spectacles: athletes can spend years preparing for a single moment, and one mistake or extraordinary final run can completely change the medal picture.
Freestyle Skiing: Men's Freeski Big Air Delivers a Classic
One of the biggest highlights of Day 11 came in the men's freeski big air final at Livigno.
Norway's Tormod Frostad claimed gold with a total score of 195.50 after producing a sensational final run worth 98.50.
American Mac Forehand pushed him extremely close, landing an ambitious trick on his final attempt and scoring 98.25. His overall score of 193.25 earned silver, while Austria's Matej Svancer secured bronze with 191.25.
The competition was particularly impressive because athletes were not simply attempting the biggest tricks possible. Clean execution, technical difficulty and creativity all played major roles.
Other American competitors also produced impressive performances, with Troy Podmilsak finishing fourth and Konnor Ralph fifth.
The event showed how rapidly freeskiing continues to evolve, with competitors constantly pushing the limits of what can be achieved in the air.
Speed Skating: Italy Produces Home-Ice Magic
The men's team pursuit at the Milan Oval delivered one of the day's biggest surprises.
Host nation Italy won Olympic gold in front of a delighted home crowd, with Davide Ghiotto, Andrea Giovannini and Michele Malfatti recording a time of 3:39.20.
The United States finished second in 3:43.71, while China took bronze after defeating the Netherlands.
Italy's victory was particularly memorable because it represented the country's first gold medal in the event since the 2006 Turin Games.
The result gave the home crowd another reason to celebrate and added to Italy's growing medal haul.
Canada Defend Women's Team Pursuit Crown
Canada also enjoyed success in the women's team pursuit.
Ivanie Blondin, Valerie Maltais and Isabelle Weidemann retained Canada's Olympic title with a winning time of 2:55.81.
The Netherlands took silver and Japan secured bronze.
The event once again demonstrated that team pursuit racing requires much more than individual speed. Timing, positioning, endurance and trust between teammates can make the difference between a medal and missing the podium.
Figure Skating: Alysa Liu Leads American Challenge
The women's figure skating short programme provided another major talking point.
Japan's Ami Nakai topped the standings with 78.71 points, followed by teammate Kaori Sakamoto on 77.23.
American Alysa Liu delivered a strong routine worth 76.59 to sit third and put herself firmly into medal contention.
Her performance combined technical difficulty with artistic quality and gave the United States a realistic chance of challenging for a podium place.
However, it was a difficult session for fellow Americans Isabeau Levito and Amber Glenn.
Levito sat eighth, while Glenn dropped to 12th following an error during her routine.
With the free skate still to come, the medal battle remained wide open.
Men's Ice Hockey: Quarterfinal Picture Takes Shape
The men's ice hockey qualification play-offs also provided plenty of drama.
Sweden defeated Latvia 5-1, securing a place in the quarter-finals and setting up a highly anticipated meeting with the United States.
The Czech Republic also progressed and prepared to face Canada.
The quarter-final line-up was:Slovakia vs Germany
Canada vs Czech Republic
Finland vs Switzerland
USA vs Sweden
The match-ups promised another round of intense Olympic hockey, with several NHL stars expected to feature.
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Women's ice hockey also moved towards its climax, with the United States advancing to the gold-medal game against Canada.
The women's final represented another chapter in one of the most competitive rivalries in Olympic hockey.
Biathlon: France Makes Olympic History
One of the most significant achievements of Day 11 came in the men's 4x7.5km biathlon relay at Anterselva.
France claimed its first-ever Olympic gold medal in the event after a composed performance from Eric Perrot, Quentin Fillon Maillet, Emilien Jacquelin and Fabien Claude.
France completed the race in 1:19:55.2, finishing ahead of Norway, which took silver, while Sweden claimed bronze.
Fillon Maillet added another landmark to his career by winning his eighth Olympic medal, further establishing himself as one of France's most decorated Winter Olympians.
The United States also produced a notable result by finishing fifth, its best-ever Olympic result in the men's relay.
The race showcased the unique demands of biathlon, where athletes must combine endurance on skis with precision shooting under pressure.
Bobsleigh: Germany Sweeps the Podium
Germany dominated the men's two-man bobsleigh in Cortina d'Ampezzo, completing a remarkable podium sweep.
Johannes Lochner and Georg Fleischhauer won gold with a combined time of 3:39.70.
Defending champion Francesco Friedrich, alongside Thorsten Margis, took silver, while Adam Ammour and Alexander Schaller won bronze.
Germany's dominance highlighted the country's depth in the discipline.
Lochner's consistent performances across all four heats proved decisive and prevented Friedrich from securing another consecutive title.
The result also strengthened Lochner's reputation among the sport's leading drivers and added another memorable moment to Germany's successful Winter Olympics campaign.
Nordic Combined: Oftebro Completes Stunning Comeback
Norway's Jens Luraas Oftebro claimed his second gold medal of the Games in the men's Nordic combined individual Gundersen large hill/10km.
He began the cross-country section in fifth position after the ski jumping stage but produced a remarkable comeback.
Oftebro completed the 10km race in 24:45.0, overcoming a deficit of around 22 seconds to finish ahead of Austria's Johannes Lamparter, who won silver, and Finland's Ilkka Herola, who claimed bronze.
His performance demonstrated the unique challenge of Nordic combined, which requires athletes to excel in both ski jumping and cross-country skiing.
The victory further strengthened Norway's position as one of the leading nations at Milan Cortina 2026.
Curling and Other Day 11 Developments
There was also plenty happening outside the headline medal events.
In men's curling, defending champions Sweden suffered a 9-4 defeat against Switzerland, while the United States women's team continued its progress towards the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, heavy snowfall caused the women's snowboard slopestyle final to be postponed until Day 12.
The postponement added another layer of anticipation to an already busy Olympic schedule.
Milan Cortina 2026 Medal Table After Day 11
After 11 days of competition, Norway led the medal table with 14 gold medals and 31 medals overall.
Hosts Italy were second with nine golds and 24 medals, while the United States had six golds and 21 medals.
The standings highlighted Norway's remarkable consistency across multiple winter sports, while Italy's strong performance reflected the advantage and inspiration of competing on home soil.
With several major events still to come, the medal table could change significantly before the closing ceremony.
Why Day 11 Could Be Crucial
Day 11 was more than another day of medals. It highlighted several themes that could define the remainder of Milan Cortina 2026.
Norway's consistency remains one of the biggest stories of the Games, while Italy's home success continues to energise the host nation.
France's biathlon breakthrough showed the importance of patience and team execution, while Germany's bobsleigh sweep demonstrated the value of depth and technical precision.
Meanwhile, the close freeski big air final and figure skating standings proved that tiny margins can decide Olympic medals.
With the women's snowboard slopestyle final postponed and figure skating medals still to be decided, Day 12 promises another packed schedule.
Final Verdict
Milan Cortina 2026 Day 11 delivered everything Olympic sport promises: spectacular performances, historic victories, unexpected results and intense medal battles.
Italy's team-pursuit gold gave the home crowd a major celebration, France secured a landmark biathlon triumph, Germany swept the men's two-man bobsleigh podium and Norway added more gold through Jens Luraas Oftebro.
In freeskiing, Tormod Frostad edged Mac Forehand in a spectacular big-air final, while Alysa Liu kept herself in medal contention in figure skating.
As the Games move into the next stage, the pressure will only increase.
Day 11 may have marked the midpoint of Milan Cortina 2026, but the biggest Olympic moments could still be ahead.Day 11 Recap: Thrills, Spills, and Medals at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics reached its midpoint on Day 11, February 17, with a mix of high-flying acrobatics, high-speed pursuits, and high-stakes competitions across various venues in Italy.
Despite heavy snowfall causing the postponement of the women's snowboard slopestyle final to the following day, six medal events proceeded, delivering moments of triumph, heartbreak, and historic achievements. Norway continued its dominance, adding two more golds to its tally, while host nation Italy celebrated a surprise victory in speed skating.
The United States had a strong showing with silvers in freeski and speed skating, and promising performances in figure skating. France made history in biathlon, and Germany asserted its sliding supremacy with a podium sweep in bobsleigh. Let's dive into everything that unfolded on this action-packed day.
Freestyle Skiing: Men's Freeski Big Air – A Battle for the Ages
One of the standout events of Day 11 was the men's freeski big air final, held amid swirling snow at the Livigno venue. Described by commentators as "one of the best final rounds in the sport's history," the competition saw athletes pushing the boundaries of what's possible on skis. Norway's Tormod Frostad clinched gold with a total score of 195.50, thanks to a stunning final run scoring 98.50 – the highest of the competition. His nose butter double bio 1440 upgraded to a 1620 was a masterclass in style and difficulty, executed flawlessly under pressure.
American Mac Forehand delivered an incredible performance, landing a nose butter triple cork 1980 upgraded to 2160 on his final attempt, scoring 98.25 and briefly taking the lead. However, Frostad's response edged him out, leaving Forehand with silver at 193.25. Austria's Matej Svancer rounded out the podium with bronze at 191.25, contributing to a final where all medalists showcased groundbreaking tricks.
Other Americans shone brightly: Troy Podmilsak finished fourth and Konnor Ralph fifth, both landing triple cork 2160s in their final runs. The camaraderie was evident as athletes celebrated each other's runs, embodying the spirit of freestyle skiing. Frostad later said, "This was pure magic – the snow, the crowd, the competition. Mac pushed me to my limit."
This event not only highlighted technical prowess but also the evolving nature of the sport, with judges rewarding innovation and clean landings. As the snow continued to fall, it added an extra layer of challenge, making the victories even more impressive.
Speed Skating: Team Pursuits – Home Glory and Defending Champions
At the Milan Oval, speed skating provided edge-of-the-seat racing in both men's and women's team pursuits. In the men's event, host Italy pulled off a shocking upset, winning gold with a time of 3:39.20. The trio of Davide Ghiotto, Andrea Giovannini, and Michele Malfatti delighted the home crowd, finishing nearly five seconds ahead of the United States, who took silver at 3:43.71. China claimed bronze after defeating the Netherlands in the third-place race. This marked Italy's first gold in the event since the 2006 Turin Games, a poetic return to glory on home ice.
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The U.S. team, consisting of Casey Dawson, Emery Lehman, and Ethan Cepuran, had set a world record earlier in the Games but couldn't replicate it in the final. "We gave it everything, but Italy was unbeatable today," Dawson reflected post-race.
On the women's side, Canada defended their title from the previous Olympics, winning gold with a time of 2:55.81. Ivanie Blondin, Valerie Maltais, and Isabelle Weidemann edged out the Netherlands for silver, while Japan took bronze after beating the U.S. in the B final. The Canadian squad's synergy was evident, with Weidemann noting, "We've trained for this moment – it's about trust and pushing each other."
The U.S. women's team missed the podium, a disappointment after strong showings in individual events. These races underscored the importance of teamwork in speed skating, where strategy and endurance are key.
Figure Skating: Women's Short Program – Stars Shine and Stumbles Occur
The women's figure skating short program at the Milan Arena was a marquee non-medal event, setting the stage for the free skate. Japan's dominance was clear, with Ami Nakai leading at 78.71 points, followed by teammate Kaori Sakamoto at 77.23. American Alysa Liu nailed her routine, scoring a season-best 76.59 to place third and enter medal contention. Her performance included a flawless triple Axel, earning praise for its artistry and technical precision.
However, it was a mixed day for Team USA. Isabeau Levito placed eighth, while Amber Glenn fell to 12th after missing a jump and receiving zero points for the element. Glenn's error was a setback for the hyped "Blade Angels" trio, but Liu remained optimistic: "No pressure – whatever happens, happens."
The short program highlighted the blend of athleticism and grace in figure skating, with top skaters like Mone Chiba (fourth) and Adeliia Petrosian (fifth) adding to the excitement. The free skate promises more drama as medals are decided.
Alysa Liu, ladies short program: What impresses me most about the American skating star.
Ice Hockey: Men's Qualification Playoffs – Advancing to Quarters
In men's ice hockey, the qualification playoffs determined the final quarterfinal spots. Sweden dominated Latvia 5-1, advancing to face the United States in a highly anticipated matchup featuring NHL stars like Auston Matthews and William Nylander. The Czech Republic also progressed, setting up a clash with Canada.
Quarterfinal lineups: Slovakia vs. Germany, Canada vs. Czech Republic, Finland vs. Switzerland, USA vs. Sweden. These games are set for the next day, with semis to be reseeded.
On the women's side, the U.S. advanced to the gold medal game against Canada, a rematch of their group stage encounter where the Americans won. Hockey continues to be a fan favorite, blending speed, skill, and physicality.
Sweden secures quarterfinal berth with win over Latvia.
Biathlon: Men's 4x7.5km Relay – France's Historic Win.
The men's biathlon relay at the Anterselva venue saw France claim their first-ever Olympic gold in the event. The team of Eric Perrot, Quentin Fillon Maillet, Emilien Jacquelin, and Fabien Claude finished in 1:19:55.2, holding off Norway (silver, +9.8s) and Sweden (bronze). Fillon Maillet earned his eighth career medal, becoming France's most decorated Winter Olympian.
The U.S. team achieved a historic fifth place, their best relay finish ever. The race combined shooting accuracy and cross-country endurance, with France's steady performance proving decisive.
Perrot powers France to gold in men's biathlon relay at Milano Cortina Games.
Bobsleigh: Men's Two-Man – German Dominance
In Cortina d'Ampezzo, Germany swept the podium in the men's two-man bobsleigh for the second consecutive Games. Johannes Lochner and Georg Fleischhauer won gold in 3:39.70, upsetting defending champion Francesco Friedrich (silver with Thorsten Margis). Adam Ammour and Alexander Schaller took bronze. Lochner's consistency over four heats denied Friedrich a three-peat, tying him with André Lange for most decorated bobsleigh driver.
This event showcased precision piloting and raw power, with Germany's depth on full display.
Germans sweep 2-man Olympic bobsled medals, Maine's Frank Del Duca places 4th
Nordic Combined: Men's Individual Gundersen Large Hill/10km
Norway's Jens Luraas Oftebro secured his second gold of the Games in the Nordic combined, finishing the 10km cross-country in 24:45.0 after starting fifth from the ski jump. He overtook leaders on the final lap to edge Austria's Johannes Lamparter (silver, +5.9s) and Finland's Ilkka Herola (bronze). Oftebro's stunning ski erased a 22-second deficit, highlighting the event's dual demands.
Winter Olympics 2026: Jens Lurås Oftebro claims second gold of Games in Nordic combined individual Gundersen large hill/10km.
Other Events: Curling, Postponements, and More
In curling, Sweden's defending men's champions lost 9-4 to Switzerland, while the U.S. women's team advanced toward semifinals. Heavy snow postponed women's snowboard slopestyle, shifting it to Day 12.
Medal Table Update and Looking Ahead
After Day 11, Norway led with 14 golds (31 total medals), Italy 9 (24), USA 6 (21). Day 12 promises more excitement with rescheduled events and figure skating free skate.
This Day 11 encapsulated the Olympics' essence: perseverance, excellence, and unforgettable stories. Stay tuned for more from Milan Cortina 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on Day 11 of Milan Cortina 2026?
Day 11 featured six medal events, including men's freeski big air, speed skating team pursuits, men's biathlon relay, men's two-man bobsleigh and Nordic combined.
Which country won the most notable gold medals on Day 11?
Norway, Italy, France and Germany all recorded major victories across different events, making Day 11 a highly successful day for several nations.
Who won the men's freeski big air gold medal?
Norway's Tormod Frostad won gold with a total score of 195.50.
What did Italy win on Day 11?
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Italy won gold in the men's speed-skating team pursuit, defeating the United States in the final.
Who won the men's biathlon relay?
France won the men's 4x7.5km relay, securing the country's first Olympic gold in the event.
Which country swept the men's two-man bobsleigh podium?
Germany won gold, silver and bronze in the men's two-man bobsleigh.
Who led the Milan Cortina 2026 medal table after Day 11?
According to the supplied article, Norway led with 14 gold medals and 31 total medals, followed by Italy and the United States.
Was the women's snowboard slopestyle final held on Day 11?
No. Heavy snowfall forced the women's snowboard slopestyle final to be postponed to Day 12.
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