The Winter Olympics start today with curling (shout out to Wichita). Sorry USAians, no Shuster this year. But Mixed doubles duo Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse are top medal contenders.
Stories to Watch
Lindsey Vonn’s Injury Recovery: After a high-speed crash on January 30, 2026, in Crans-Montana, Vonn suffered a torn ACL and bone bruise but still plans to compete in the Women’s Downhill on February 8. If she survived dating Tiger Woods, she can survive a torn ACL
Ilia Malinin’s “Quad God” Status: The 21-year-old American is the gold medal favorite, aiming to land his historic quadruple axel and potentially six different quads in the men’s final on February 13.
Hockey: NHL players are competing for the first time since 2014. On the Women’s side USA recently swept Canada in the Rivalry Series and are ranked #1 in the IIHF Power Rankings. Women’s Finals February 19; Men’s Finals February 22.
Mikaela Shiffrin: The most decorated alpine skier in history seeks redemption after her medal-less 2022 run, competing in multiple events starting the first week of February.
Chloe Kim’s Triple Crown: Despite a shoulder labrum tear in January, she’s hoping to win her third straight halfpipe gold medal on February 11.
Jordan Stolz’s Speed Skating: He’s a favorite to dominate the 500m, 1000m, and 1500m
Ice Break Dancing: Somehow didn’t make the cut these games
How to Watch
If your country’s coverage is terrible, and you have access to a VPN, check the Canadian coverage. It’s usually really good.
I always get way too into the Olympics, will likely be watching 8 hrs a day throughout. I just wish the sports were more evenly divided between Summer and Winter.
I’m even watching the 3-ep ice dancing doc on Netflix to prepare!
Nothing like a 3 hour curling match in the background while you’re doing work. I’m planning my afternoon around Canada vs. Czechia at 1pm. Sorry USAians, Norway vs. USA is tonight at 4am Eastern
Jessie Diggins’ Last Dance: The most decorated American cross-country skier ever has confirmed this is her final Olympics. She enters as a triple World Cup overall champion and a major medal threat in nearly every event she enters.
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo’s Legacy: The Norwegian superstar is aiming to become the most decorated Winter Olympian in history. He is chasing a potential six-gold-medal sweep to add to his existing five.
French Biathlon Dominance: With the retirement of Norwegian legend Johannes Thingnes Bø, French stars Quentin Fillon Maillet and Éric Perrot are favorites to dominate the men’s podium, while Lou Jeanmonnot leads the women’s field.
The Debut of Ski Mountaineering: While not traditional cross-country, this new “human-powered” endurance sport makes its Olympic debut, featuring grueling uphill climbs and technical downhill descents.
That game should be a blowout but you never know. USA Mixed is probably our best chance for a curling medal they are 4th betting favorite. The mens and womens 4s are last or close to it, both at 100-1. Also I have heard rumors of curling multiview being a thing this year.
Is it ok as an American to root for Canada in men’s hockey because the Tkachuks play for the USA? Wait, Canada selected Tom Wilson for their team. Ok, I am rooting against North America in mens hockey.
Looks like you can do the $10.99/month plan to get all the Olympics on Peacock, which doesn’t seem too bad, although I’m still hunting around for a deal!
