At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, the United States delivered one of its most memorable performances in Winter Games history by capturing a record-setting 11 gold medals the highest total ever for American athletes at a single Winter Olympics.
The historic eleventh gold came on February 21 when the U.S. team of Kaila Kuhn, Connor Curran and Christopher Lillis triumphed in the mixed team aerials freestyle skiing event, adding a dramatic finish to the final full day of competition in Livigno. Their performance not only secured Olympic gold but also established a new benchmark for the U.S. team’s success across these Games.
This milestone surpassed the previous American record of 10 gold medals set at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, marking a watershed moment for U.S. winter sports.
The U.S. achievement was not confined to one sport but spanned a broad spectrum of disciplines. Highlights included:
Alpine Skiing: Standout performances in the women’s downhill and slalom events, including a gold from the legendary Mikaela Shiffrin.
Freestyle Skiing: American athletes captured top honors in moguls and halfpipe, with Alex Ferreira earning his first Olympic gold in the men’s halfpipe at age 31.
Figure Skating: In a much-anticipated comeback, Alysa Liu delivered a stunning performance to win the women’s individual title the first U.S. gold in women’s Olympic figure skating in nearly a quarter-century.
Speed Skating and Hockey: Jordan Stolz captured a record-setting performance on the ice, while the U.S. women’s hockey team set viewership records with a thrilling overtime victory against Canada.
This breadth of excellence helped the U.S. amass 30 total medals, placing second in the overall standings behind host nation Norway.
American women played a particularly significant role in the U.S. medal haul. They collected multiple gold and overall medals across events, setting new records for women’s participation and success in winter competition. From alpine slopes to hockey rinks, women athletes helped define Team USA’s historic Olympic campaign.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be remembered not just for records and medals, but for symbolic achievements and inspirational stories. From veteran champions reaching the top of their sport late in their careers to younger stars asserting themselves on the world stage, this iteration of the Games showcased the depth and resilience of American winter sport talent. For Team USA, the record 11 golds reflect years of development, determination and unforgettable performances under pressure.
