Winter Olympics Recap: Brignone's Double Gold After Broken Leg, Klaebo Sets Medal Record
Federica Brignone and Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo have glided into history at the Winter Olympics in very different ways, showcasing resilience and dominance at the Milan Cortina Games on Sunday, 15 February 2026.
Brignone's Sensational Comeback Continues
Host nation Italy was delighted as Federica Brignone's sensational comeback continued with a second gold medal of these Games. Winning one gold medal in super-G made Brignone feel like she was living in a movie, and great movies often get a sequel. The Italian skier, known as "the Tiger", was unbeatable in the giant slalom for her second gold of the Olympics and fifth career medal, breaking her own record as the oldest women's Alpine skiing Olympic champion.
After breaking multiple bones in March last year, Brignone needed two surgeries and 42 stitches to put her leg back together. She only returned to skiing in January, making her achievement even more remarkable. There were two silver medalists as Sara Hector and Thea Louise Stjernesund finished in exactly the same time and bowed to Brignone to mark her victory.
In contrast, Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States was 11th and has now failed to win a medal in eight straight Olympic races since Pyeongchang in 2018.
Klaebo's Historic Ninth Gold Medal
Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo stands alone as the most successful Winter Olympian in history after winning his ninth career gold medal in cross-country skiing. Norway’s prime minister was watching as Klaebo anchored his team's relay gold on Sunday, breaking a tie at eight gold medals with three other Norwegians: cross-country skiers Marit Bjoergen and Bjoern Daehlie and biathlete Ole Einar Bjoerndalen.
Klaebo could get into double figures by the end of the Milan Cortina Games. His next chances for a 10th gold are in the team sprint on Wednesday or the 50-kilometer race on Saturday. Also, he's only 29 years old, suggesting more records could be broken in future competitions.
Norway ended Sunday with a Games-leading 26 medals, including 12 golds. Host nation Italy reached 22 medals on Sunday, its best-ever Winter Olympic medal haul. The U.S. and Japan have 17 apiece.
Other Highlights from the Games
Curling Controversy: The typically calm world of curling has been rocked by a controversy over double-touching, and it broadened Sunday as the British men's team had a stone removed for the violation. Until Sunday, the Canadian men's and women's teams had been in the focus of scrutiny, with an expletive-laden outburst by Canada's Marc Kennedy after an accusation of a double touch against Sweden on Friday highlighting the problem.
Men's Hockey: In men’s hockey, the U.S. and Canada both made sure of quarterfinal spots with convincing wins in the final game of group play. Canada routed France 10-2 and took the top seed on goal differential, while the U.S. beat Germany 5-1.
Moguls and Speedskating: Mikael Kingsbury of Canada won gold in the inaugural dual moguls event, his fifth career Olympic medal. In speedskating, Dutch skater Jutta Leerdam won silver in the women's 1,000 meters, with teammate Femke Kok taking gold.
British Success: Britain won its first snow-sport Olympic gold in history, a victory for Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale in team snowboardcross, followed by another gold in team skeleton hours later.
Biathlon and Ski Jumping: Biathlon saw a first Olympic gold for Italy as Lisa Vittozzi won the women's pursuit, while Norwegian ski jumper Anna Odine Stroem won the first-ever Olympic women's large hill event.
Figure Skating: German figure skaters Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin lead the pairs event after the short program, with the free skate scheduled for Monday.
