**Magazine-style headline:**
**The Milano Cortina Olympics: A Winter Games Like No Other**
**The Human Side of Winter's Most Iconic Event**
**The 10 Most Memorable Moments from the 2026 Winter Olympics**
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, will be remembered for more than just the records broken and the medals won. It was a Games that showcased the human side of winter sports, with moments of triumph, heartbreak, and resilience that will stay with us forever.
As I reflect on my two weeks spent covering the Games, I'm reminded of the countless stories that emerged from the snow-covered mountains and the rinks of Milano. From the awe-inspiring performances of athletes like Johannes Høsflot Klaebo and Eileen Gu, to the poignant moments of heartbreak and disappointment, the Milano Cortina Olympics were a true celebration of the human spirit.
**A Turning Point: The Gold Medal Storylines**
The U.S. team had high hopes for gold in the figure skating events, with reigning champions in three of the four disciplines. But things didn't quite go as planned. Ilia Malinin, the 21-year-old "Quad God," seemed off his game in Italy, popping and falling on jumps in a shocking performance that left the crowd gasping. Yet, even in defeat, Malinin showed remarkable maturity and humility, congratulating the gold medalist and acknowledging the pressure of being at his first Olympics.
Malinin's story is just one of many that highlights the human side of winter sports. Eileen Gu, the reigning champion in freestyle skiing, laughed off the notion that her two silver medals were somehow a disappointment, pointing out that she's the most decorated female freeskier in history. And Chloe Kim, the snowboarding sensation, put her silver medal in perspective, saying that every Olympics is a new challenge, and that "two medals lost" is a ridiculous perspective to take.
**Inside the Community: The Olympic Volunteers**
One of the unsung heroes of the Games were the Olympic volunteers, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the events ran smoothly. I was fortunate enough to have a pair of volunteers sit with me on the metro one night, offering a nod of encouragement as they got off at their stop. Their kindness and generosity were a reminder that the Olympics are not just about athletes and medals, but about the people who make the event possible.
**A Changing Landscape: The Speedskating Revolution**
For many years, speedskating was a neglected sport at the Winter Olympics, with lackluster crowds and uninspiring television coverage. But at the Milano Cortina Games, speedskating was a revelation, with the Dutch fans bringing a delightful energy to the proceedings. The time-trial nature of the sport added to the drama, with each skater crossing the finish line and the scoreboard revealing the suspense in real-time.
**What Comes Next: The Legacy of the Milano Cortina Olympics**
As the Milano Cortina Olympics come to a close, we're left to ponder the legacy of the Games. The new ultimatum of finding creative locales for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies has set a new standard, with the Verona Olympic Arena proving that ancient history and modern sports can coexist in harmony. The Milano Cortina Olympics will be remembered for more than just the records broken and the medals won – it's a celebration of the human side of winter sports, and a reminder of the power of music and art to connect us all.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be remembered for more than just the records broken and the medals won. It was a Games that showcased the human side of winter sports, with moments of triumph, heartbreak, and resilience that will stay with us forever.
**Additional photos:**
* Ilia Malinin skating during the exhibition gala
* Eileen Gu celebrating her silver medal
* Speedskating fans cheering on their favorite athletes
* The Verona Olympic Arena at sunset
