USA Hockey & Elana Meyers Taylor Shine – 2026 Olympics Day 10

Milan Cortina 2026 is rapidly taking shape, and Day 10 saw the United States further solidify its position as a major force – particularly in women’s hockey and bobsled. While the medal count remains competitive, the American performances are signaling a potential shift in the Winter Olympic landscape, and setting the stage for thrilling finishes in the days to come.

The U.S. women’s hockey team’s performance is particularly noteworthy. This isn’t simply a case of winning; it’s the *manner* of winning. Five consecutive shutouts demonstrate a defensive prowess rarely seen in international competition. The rivalry with Canada is legendary, and the gold medal game on Thursday promises to be a classic. Historically, these two nations have traded dominance in women’s hockey, but the sheer offensive firepower and defensive solidity of this American squad suggest a potential changing of the guard. The Canadian team, while resilient in their semifinal victory over Switzerland, will need a near-perfect performance to overcome the Americans.

In bobsled, Elana Meyers Taylor’s gold is a story of perseverance and athletic longevity. At 41, she’s defying expectations and proving that experience can be a powerful asset. Kaillie Humphries’ bronze adds to the American success in the event, showcasing the depth of talent within the U.S. bobsled program. The men’s two-man bobsled team, currently in fourth place, faces an uphill battle to reach the podium, but their performance in the remaining heats will be crucial. Germany’s continued dominance in the two-man event highlights their long-standing expertise in the sport, and the Americans will need to execute flawlessly to challenge them.

The surprising loss to Italy in women’s curling is a minor setback, but the U.S. remains in contention for a knockout stage berth. Tuesday’s matches are critical for both the men’s and women’s teams, and their ability to rebound from this loss will be a key indicator of their overall competitiveness. Curling is a notoriously unpredictable sport, and a single well-placed stone can dramatically alter the outcome of a match.

The Forward Look

Tuesday’s schedule is packed with potential for further U.S. success. The women’s figure skating short program will be a major focus, with Americans Isabeau Levito, Alysa Liu, and Amber Glenn all vying for a spot in the free skate. However, the most promising opportunity for gold appears to be in the men’s skiing Big Air competition, where Mac Forehand qualified in first place. His performance in the final will be a key storyline to watch. Beyond these events, the U.S. will be closely monitoring the medal standings, with a clear goal of surpassing Italy and challenging Norway for the top spot. The next 48 hours will be pivotal in determining whether Team USA can maintain its momentum and achieve its ambitious goals at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.