MILAN — Dylan Larkin’s hard work at the 2026 Winter Olympics was rewarded with as big a goal as he’s scored in his career, one that delighted his USA teammates.

The Americans play Slovakia in the semifinals of men’s hockey Friday, Feb. 19 at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, with Canada facing Finland in the other match. The winners play for gold, the losers for bronze.

Team USA goes into the game coming off a good test against Sweden in the quarterfinals, winning 2-1 in overtime. The scoring that had come relatively easily in the preliminary round wasn’t there. It was 0-0 midway through the game. Then Larkin went to the net, Jack Hughes shot the puck, Larkin redirected it, and USA erupted in cheers.

‘He always shows up in big moments, that just the type of player that he is,’ teammate Brady Tkachuk said. ‘It’s so fun to be on the same team. He’s such a great player and he stepped up just exactly when we needed him to.

‘He’s always the X-Factor. Great five-on-five player, scored a big goal for us. Just a fantastic player.’

Larkin ranked the goal, ‘up there. It’s up there to do an elimination game against Sweden. It’s pretty special, for sure.’

Larkin had been more of a PK factor until the goal, putting in the hard shifts that opponents of the Detroit Red Wings, who he captains, are used to seeing. Larkin’s first point of the Olympics was an assist in the third and last game of the preliminary round.

Where the likes of Auston Matthews and Quinn Hughes (who scored the OT goal) are noticeable partly for their offensive contributions, and Brady and Matthew Tkachuk for being front and center poster boys for the team, Larkin’s path through the Olympics has been a little different. Larkin, 29, has centered the third line and been a key part of the penalty kill, doing the little things that don’t show up on a scoreboard but show up in a team’s success. To see the joy on his face when the puck went in underscored his performance.

‘Huge reward,’ coach Mike Sullivan said. ‘Larks is a big part of this team. He competes hard on both sides of the puck. All these guys, when you look at their numbers in the NHL, all these guys are elite players. They’re all right around a point a game.

‘We’re casting these guys in certain roles, whether it be on the defensive side or killing penalties. We’re trying to spread the workload a little bit, but we’re also trying to build a team chemistry around around the roles. And players understand what the contributions are. Larks has done a great job in what we’ve asked of him and whatever we ask of him, he embraces. He’s excited to do it. He just wants to be part of this USA team.’

Canada holds the historical edge in gold medal game meetings with the U.S. Olympics women’s hockey team, going 4-2.

Will recent history change that?

The USA won the team’s preliminary round game, 5-0. Before that, the USA swept the four-game Rivalry Series. It also won the 2025 world championships.

Canada is the reigning Olympic champion after winning in 2022 in Beijing. It also won every Olympics from 2002 to 2014. The USA won the initial game in 1998 and also in 2018. It lost in the 2006 semifinals and won bronze.

Which team will win on Thursday? USA TODAY Network staffers offer their predictions for the USA vs. Canada gold medal game:

Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY

USA 4, Canada 2: Neither Team USA nor Canada has scored more than three goals in their six Olympic gold-medal matches, but the Americans will surpass that mark with all their offensive weapons. Team USA blew out the Canadians 5-0 in the preliminary round. Although I don’t expect a shutout, the U.S. women will be dominant once again and win a gold medal with a two-goal lead.

Mike Brehm, USA TODAY

USA 4, Canada 1: Canada didn’t have Marie-Philip Poulin available in the 5-0 loss to the USA, but the captain and all-time leading Olympic goal scorer will play. Her presence will help the Canadians play better. But that alone isn’t enough. The USA is deep with veterans and productive younger players. Hilary Knight will go home with a gold medal in her fifth and final Olympics.

Jace Evans, USA TODAY

Canada 3, USA 2: One glorious shootout in 2018 aside, the Olympics in the 21st century have generally been a disappointing affair for the USA women’s hockey team. The Americans really haven’t been challenged in this tournament, but the lack of adversity ends up costing them as they fall to Canada in the gold medal game for the fifth time since 2002.

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press

USA 5, Canada 1: The USA women are playing at an unheard of level, with depth at every position and buoyed by strong leadership. There’s no weaknesses there. They’re so good, sometimes the goalies have to bang their sticks on the ice to keep warm because they see so few pucks. Look for the USA to keep rolling, Hilary Knight to get her record, Abbey Murphy to set an early tone with a physical play and the USA to celebrate a gold medal performance.

MILAN — When American Alysa Liu takes the Olympic ice at 10:32 p.m. local time Thursday, she will be just four minutes away from ending one of the most bizarre and embarrassing U.S. Olympic droughts not just in figure skating, but in any sport.

If the 20-year-old Liu simply does what she has been doing for the past year, if she stays true to her blithe spirit and skates as freely and boldly as usual, she likely will win a medal in the women’s figure skating competition at these Olympic Games. 

She comes into the long program in third place, surrounded by three stellar Japanese skaters in first, second and fourth, with a young Russian lurking in fifth place, all of them bunched closely in points, so it’s not going to be easy. But if Liu doesn’t let the pressure get to her as it has to so many other figure skaters during these Games, she should win the first U.S. medal in women’s figure skating since Sasha Cohen’s silver in 2006.

Watch Olympics figure skating on Peacock

So how does she do that? If she mimics what she did in her short program, she will be well on her way, said Olympic gold medalist Brian Boitano, co-host of the USA TODAY Sports ‘Milan Magic’ podcast. 

“It was the look in her eye, the composure,” he said. ‘We’re used to the Alysa that’s happy to be there and doesn’t care, yet she was a little bit more serious when she took the ice. But I didn’t feel like it was a seriousness that would get in the way of her performance. It was the seriousness of a mature skater who was excited to be there and wanted to skate well for themselves.

“It looked like she was absorbing the whole aspect of, ‘This is the Olympics and I really want to feel that,’” Boitano continued. “And she let that show in her skating. She moved silkier than she ever did before, it was such a smooth program and she jumped like she always does and spun really well. She was spot on but she had this extra something.”

Katarina Witt, the two-time Olympic gold medalist from the former East Germany, said on ‘Milan Magic’ that when she watches Liu compete, she trusts what she is seeing.

“I trust her because I’ve seen her doing flawlessly,” Witt said on a podcast episode that airs Thursday, before Liu and the other leaders take the ice. “I feel like with her mind, she’s right there, she enjoys what she does, she is concentrating at the same time, she just does her thing.”

Listen to ‘Milan Magic’ on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch full episodes on YouTube or on USA TODAY.

Liu’s resume is endlessly fascinating. She won her first national title at 13. She won her second at 14. She retired at 16 after making her first Olympic team and finishing seventh in 2022 in Beijing. She unretired at 18. She won the world championship at 19. And now here she is, on the verge of an individual Olympic medal. She already has a team gold from earlier in these Games.

What’s working for her is her attitude. At a time when athletes get especially tight, as we have seen, she has remained refreshingly loose. Name another Olympic medal favorite who would say this, as she did after her short program Tuesday night:

“A medal? I don’t need a medal. I just need to be here, and I just need to be present. And I need people to see what I do next.”

While some speak of triple axels and quadruple jumps, Liu is talking about showing off a new skating dress for the long program, and said she “really” wants to be invited to skate in the Olympic exhibition gala on Saturday, an honor that usually goes to the medalists in all four disciplines.

“I’m just putting it out there,” she said. “I really want to go to the Olympic gala. I have a really cool gala program that I’m working on, and it’s basically done. I have a dress, everything. So I’m thinking about it.”

As long as she is thinking about that, she’s not thinking about what so many of her peers have been dealing with at these Games: unbearable nerves, tension and pressure, with the predictable unfortunate results. 

So, combine her unique attitude with her innate talent for jumping, spinning and revving up a crowd, and she just might do what so many here have had such trouble doing: 

That is, everything a skater hopes and dreams she can accomplish on the most important night of her young life.

MILAN — In the immediate aftermath of Sidney Crosby leaving a game because of injury, Jon Cooper said he didn’t know Crosby’s status and noted, ‘I don’t even have my poker face on.’

It was back on the next day, as Cooper declined to give a definitive answer on the status of Canada’s men’s hockey team captain, who did not partake in an optional practice on Feb. 19. However, Cooper did not rule him out for the remainder of the 2026 Winter Olympics, which at most would be two games. Canada plays a semifinal game against Finland on Feb. 20 at Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Win or lose, there’s a medal game next.

‘Sid is by no means ruled out of the tournament,’ Cooper said. ‘We’ve got the best of the best looking at him. We’re taking this day by day. And we’re not going to put anyone in harm’s way. But if he can play, he’s definitely going to. We’ll know more in again in 24 hours.’

What happened to Sidney Crosby?

Canada needed overtime to advance out of a quarterfinal match against Czechia, and had to make do for more than half of it without Crosby.

Crosby was injured on a hard hit from Czechia’s Radko Gudas, with Crosby’s right leg buckling as he went down. He was also crunched by Martin Necas. Crosby hobbled to Canada’s bench, then down the tunnel, and did not return.

Instead, he addressed his teammates during the second intermission, when it was 2-2, essentially urging them to go get the victory.

‘There was a lot more than that,’ Cooper said. ‘You know, he’s a true leader.’

How has Crosby performed?

Crosby, 38, has two goals and four assists in four games at the Olympics. In the NHL, he leads his Pittsburgh Penguins with 59 points in 56 games.

‘He’s probably one of the toughest guys in the whole league,’ Canada teammate Nick Suzuki said. ‘Just seeing him off the ice the way he takes care of himself, you know, all the treatment, all the mobility work, always taking care of his body to prepare for the next day. So you can see why he’s played for so long and at such a high level, just the way he handles himself.’

MILAN — Sweden and Switzerland both suffered semifinal losses during the women’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but medals are still up for grabs.

The teams will face off in the bronze medal match on Thursday, Feb. 19 at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, offering both Sweden and Switzerland a chance to end their Olympic campaigns on a high note with a win. Sweden was shut out 5-0 by the Americans, while Switzerland was edged by Canada 2-1.

Team USA and Canada will play for the Olympic women’s hockey gold medal later Thursday.

The Swedes are vying for their third overall Olympic medal after picking up silver at the 2006 Turin Games and bronze in Salt Lake City in 2002. Meanwhile, the Swiss women are in pursuit of their second overall medal after winning bronze at the 2014 Sochi Games.

USA TODAY Sports is in Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics and providing live coverage of the bronze medal match.

Stream the 2026 Winter Olympics on Peacock

Sweden vs. Switzerland goes to overtime

The sides were tied at 1-1 at the end of regulation.

Sweden on power play

Sweden has its first power play of the night. Switzerland’s Marie Lena was called for a cross-checking penalty at the 57:33 mark. Switzerland killed off the power play in the final minute of regulation time to keep the nation’s podium hopes alive.

Sweden called for interference

Sweden’s Anna Kjellbin is skating toward the penalty box after being called for interference, setting up Switzerland’s second power play of the night.

End of 2nd period: Sweden 1, Switzerland 1

We are all tied up after the second period. Sweden opened scoring at the 31:40 mark, but Switzerland responded minutes later to get on the board at the 35:40 mark. Sweden outshot Switzerland 18-12 through two periods, but the Swiss women are probably kicking themselves over missed opportunities. They weren’t able to convert a penalty shot or power play earlier in the bronze-medal game.

Switzerland evens it up

We’re even in the bronze-medal match following a goal from Switzerland’s Sinja Leemann. Alina Marti took the puck behind the net and connected with Leemann, who tapped it in past Sweden goalkeeper Ebba Svensson Traff to tie it up, 1-1.

Sweden’s Mira Jungaker scores

Sweden is on the score sheet first. Mira Jungaker opened scoring in the bronze-medal game to give Sweden a 1-0 lead over Switzerland. Hilda Svensson and Thea Johansson assisted on the goal.

Switzerland’s penalty shot blocked

Sweden goalkeeper Ebba Svensson Traff is rolling. Switzerland’s Ivana Wey was awarded a penalty shot after Sweden’s Thea Johansson was called for hooking on a breakaway at the 26:21 mark. However, Wey wasn’t able to capitalize on the penalty shot and Svensson Traff swiftly blocked the puck. Svensson Traff is up to 10 saves.

End of 1st period: Sweden 0, Switzerland 0

We are scoreless after one period. Sweden outshot Switzerland 8-5 in the frame and killed off a Swiss power play. Sweden goalkeeper Ebba Svensson Traff has been solid in front of the net and withstood several close-range shots during Switzerland’s power play to keep the Swiss off the board.

Switzerland on power play

Switzerland has the first power play of the night. Sweden’s Anna Kjellbin was called for cross-checking with 4:11 remaining in the first period. Can Switzerland capitalize?

We’re underway

The bronze-medal game is officially underway. Sweden has been the more aggressive team to start and has a slight edge with four shots on goal, compared to three for Switzerland.

Goalkeeper matchup

Sweden will have Ebba Svensson Traff in the net for Thursday’s bronze-medal game, while Switzerland is turning to Andrea Braendli.

What time is the Olympic women’s hockey bronze medal game?

The bronze medal game between Switzerland and Sweden begins at 8:40 a.m. ET (2:40 p.m. in Milan.

What TV channel is the Olympic women’s hockey bronze medal game on?

USA Network will have tape-delayed coverage of the game between Switzerland and Sweden beginning at 12 p.m. ET.

Is there a live stream of the Olympic women’s bronze medal game?

You can live stream the game between Switzerland and Sweden on Peacock, which will have live coverage at 8:40 a.m. ET.

Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.

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BORMIO, Italy — Nikita Filippov of Russia won the first medal for Individual And Neutral athletes (represented by the acronym ‘AIN’) Thursday, Feb. 29, at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Filippov placed second and earned silver in the men’s ski mountaineering sprint competition, the first new Olympic sport since 1998.

Russia and Belarus were banned by the International Olympic Committee for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and these Games as a result of the war in Ukraine. However, individual athletes screened and cleared by an IOC committee – which includes a social-media review – were allowed to participate. Any show of support for or ties to the war against Ukraine disqualified an athlete from competing.

Filippov, 23, is one of 13 athletes competing under the AIN banner. They were not allowed to participate in the opening ceremony. No Russian flags, banners or anthems were permitted at the Olympics.

Filippov finished 1.32 seconds behind the gold medal-winner, Oriol Cardona Coll of Spain. France’s Thibault Anselmet took bronze.

The 2026 NBA All-Star break offered the chance for the entire league to catch its breath, reset and look ahead to the playoffs, which – seemingly suddenly – start in two months.

The break is also giving us the chance to revisit the USA TODAY Sports Top 25 NBA player rankings for the 2025-26 season, which we published in early October.

Where did we get it right? Where did we get it wrong?

Rankings and perceived value, of course, are subjective, so we welcome the debate. But for the purposes of this list, we’re omitting star players who are likely to miss at least most of the remainder of the season due to injury – players like Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton and Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving.

USA TODAY Sports’ Top 25 NBA players, ranked

25. Paolo Banchero, forward, Orlando Magic

2025-26 stats: 21.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 4.8 apg

His scoring numbers and efficiency have lagged significantly, and the Magic – before Franz Wagner got hurt – often played better when he was off the floor.

Pre-season ranking: 16th

24. Jalen Duren, center, Detroit Pistons

2025-26 stats: 17.7 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 1.8 apg

With a steadily-improving mid-range jumper, his offensive game has developed. And, with his size and defensive presence down low, Duren is becoming a force for the Pistons.

Pre-season ranking: unranked

23. Lauri Markkanen, forward, Utah Jazz

2025-26 stats: 26.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.1 apg

Pre-season ranking: unranked

22. Jalen Johnson, forward, Atlanta Hawks

2025-26 stats: 23.3 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 8.2 apg

He’s quickly becoming one of the more versatile players in the entire NBA and is a player who impacts the game in several ways. He also often puts up monster stat lines.

Pre-season ranking: unranked

21. Karl-Anthony Towns, forward-center, New York Knicks

2025-26 stats: 19.8 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 2.9 apg

His defensive effort and propensity to fall into foul trouble often compromise his ability to be a consistent, game-changing force, but his shooting range and rebounding still make him a unique talent.

Pre-season ranking: 18th

20. Scottie Barnes, forward, Toronto Raptors

2025-26 stats: 19.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 5.6 apg

Now in his fifth season, Barnes is quietly becoming a consistent force on both ends. His scoring isn’t eye-popping, but he’s a play-making presence on a Raptors team that has been the biggest surprise in the East.

Pre-season ranking: unranked

19. Joel Embiid, center, Philadelphia 76ers

2025-26 stats: 26.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 3.9 apg

Both Embiid and the 76ers have been calculated and cautious when it comes to the soon-to-be 32-year-old’s knee issues. And while Embiid has missed his share of games, he has been very productive when on the floor. He’s not quite at his MVP levels from 2022-23, but he nonetheless remains a dominant force.

Pre-season ranking: 19th

18. Pascal Siakam, forward-center, Indiana Pacers

2025-26 stats: 26.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.9 apg

To look at the impact Siakam has had on the Pacers, all you need to do is take a quick peek at the team’s injury reports from this season. Yet, despite being the focus of opposing defenses, Siakam has been the team’s lone bright spot.

Pre-season ranking: 24th

17. Jamal Murray, guard, Denver Nuggets

2025-26 stats: 25.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 7.6 apg

During the stretches when Nikola Jokić has had to miss time, Murray has carried the Nuggets. And, after Denver lost some of its perimeter shooting with the trade of Michael Porter Jr., Murray has filled in that void, tying his career-best 3-point shooting percentage (42.5%) on a career-high 7.4 attempts per game.

Pre-season ranking: unranked

16. LeBron James, forward, Los Angeles Lakers

2025-26 stats: 22.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 7.1 apg

What James is doing at 41 years old does not have a precedent. He remains an impact player who can drive, make the right pass and rebound. He has lost a step, however, and isn’t as efficient with his shot and needs to manage back-to-backs. But at his age, that’s only natural.

Pre-season ranking: 8th

15. Tyrese Maxey, guard, Philadelphia 76ers

2025-26 stats: 28.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 6.8 apg

Perhaps the most glaring oversight of the unranked players, Maxey ranks sixth in the NBA in scoring and is proving that he’s an elite shot maker. He’s also showing that he can drag the Sixers to victories, even if Embiid is unavailable.

Pre-season ranking: unranked

14. Devin Booker, guard, Phoenix Suns

2025-26 stats: 25.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 6.3 apg

Although the Suns were seemingly entering an apparent rebuild, Booker’s play has helped Phoenix (32-23) become one of the surprises out West. His silky jumper and ability to orchestrate an offense has been on display following the departures of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

Pre-season ranking: 15th

13. Jalen Brunson, guard, New York Knicks

2025-26 stats: 27.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 6.1 apg

Although the ball sometimes stagnates in his hands, it’s for a good reason; Brunson is effective in the clutch, can get to the line and has excellent understanding of body positioning and leverage. He’s also a tireless worker.

Pre-season ranking: 11th

12. Kevin Durant, forward, Houston Rockets

2025-26 stats: 25.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.4 apg

His assimilation into the Rockets hasn’t been without its hiccups, but Durant remains one of the elite scorers in the game, even at 37 years old. He’s more reliant than ever on his jumper, but it’s still lethal.

Pre-season ranking: 9th

11. Donovan Mitchell, guard, Cleveland Cavaliers

2025-26 stats: 29.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 5.9 apg

He still needs to dispel the notion that he cannot perform well in the postseason, and the acquisition of James Harden will only intensify that pressure. But Mitchell is a strong guard who can score at all three levels, take over games and distribute when needed.

Pre-season ranking: 10th

10. Jaylen Brown, guard, Boston Celtics

2025-26 stats: 29.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 4.7 apg

This season has shown what Brown can do when he’s the No. 1 threat on a team. He ranks fourth in the league in scoring, has become a nightmare matchup on defense and has willed the Celtics (35-19) all the way to the current No. 2 seed in the East, even without Jayson Tatum (Achilles) and the departures of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis.

Pre-season ranking: 20th

9. Kawhi Leonard, forward, Los Angeles Clippers

2025-26 stats: 27.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.7 apg

He was the main reason why the Clippers came back from the dead, after an abysmal start to the season. Yet, with James Harden and Ivica Zubac now gone, Leonard becomes even more important. His absolute clinic in the 2026 All-Star Game showed that he’s among the best in the world when he’s on.

Pre-season ranking: 14th

8. Stephen Curry, guard, Golden State Warriors

2025-26 stats: 27.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.8 apg

The greatest shooter of all-time and the player who fights hardest to get separation and space, Curry is a singular talent. He’s also the Warriors’ only hope to make a run, and Golden State’s window to win is quickly closing.

Pre-season ranking: 6th

7. Cade Cunningham, guard, Detroit Pistons

2025-26 stats: 25.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 9.6 apg

Somehow, Cunningham still flies under the radar relative to other stars in the NBA. Yet he is the main reason the Pistons (40-13) have had their remarkable turnaround over the last two seasons, and his command of Detroit’s offense makes him a legitimate MVP candidate.

Pre-season ranking: 12th

6. Luka Dončić, guard, Los Angeles Lakers

2025-26 stats: 32.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 8.6 apg

He leads the league in scoring, and he’s arguably the premier offensive player in the NBA, but he has become such a defensive liability, it’s hard to justify him being in the Top 5. Opposing teams constantly seek him out and attack him on the other end. Still, with the game on the line, or when L.A. needs a big shot, you know who’s going to take it.

Pre-season ranking: 4th

5. Anthony Edwards, guard, Minnesota Timberwolves

2025-26 stats: 29.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.7 apg

The 2026 NBA All-Star Most Valuable Player, Edwards is a threat to score from anywhere. Though it may appear as though he’s too reliant on his 3, he’s converting those at a career-high 40.2%.

Pre-season ranking: 5th

4. Victor Wembanyama, forward-center, San Antonio Spurs

2025-26 stats: 24.4 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 2.8 apg

Arguably no player impacts the game on both ends of the floor more than Wembanyama. He leads the NBA with 2.7 blocks per game and his offensive portfolio continues to evolve. His greatest asset, however, might be his competitiveness.

Pre-season ranking: 7th

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, forward-center, Milwaukee Bucks

2025-26 stats: 28.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 5.6 apg

His future in Milwaukee seems secure – for now – but Antetokounmpo needs to shake off nagging calf injuries that have robbed him of time on the court. He’s the best transition scorer in the world and his size, power, length and athleticism make him a nightmare to defend. His jump shot, though, is still a weakness.

Pre-season ranking: 3rd

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, guard, Oklahoma City Thunder

2025-26 stats: 31.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 6.4 apg

Though he was banged up headed into the All-Star break, Gilgeous-Alexander is the preeminent model of consistency in the NBA. His scoring streak of at least 20 points stands at 121 games, which is just six away from Wilt Chamberlain’s all-time record.

Pre-season ranking: 2nd

1. Nikola Jokić, center, Denver Nuggets

2025-26 stats: 28.7 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 10.7 apg

The only player this season to average a triple-double, Jokić is the most dominant presence in the entire NBA. His vision is unparalleled. His footwork and finesse under the basket is flawless. His knowledge and expertise of the game gives Denver such a massive advantage. For a lot of fans, the most frustrating part about Jokić is his apparent apathy when it comes to things like the All-Star Game. Don’t fall into that trap; he’s one of the all-time great players in history.

Pre-season ranking: 1st

Players who were ranked in the preseason Top 25, but fell off the list: Ja Morant, Grizzlies (25th); James Harden, Cavaliers (23rd); Jimmy Butler, Warriors (22nd); Evan Mobley, Cavaliers (21st); Jalen Williams, Thunder (17th); Anthony Davis, Wizards (13th).

Athletes from more than 90 countries will compete for Winter Olympic medals in 116 events over 16 days, and USA TODAY is keeping a tally of every nation finishing on the podium. Here’s a look at the latest medal standings on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 19, as well as when each medal event will take place.

USA TODAY Sports has a team of more than a dozen journalists on the ground in Italy to bring you behind the scenes with Team USA and keep you up to date with every medal win, big moment and triumphant finish. Get our Chasing Gold newsletter in your inbox every morning and join our WhatsApp channel to get the latest updates right in your texts.

Broadcast coverage of the 2026 Milano Cortino Winter Olympics is airing exclusively airing across NBC’s suite of networks with many competitions airing live on its streaming service, Peacock, which you can sign up for here.

What is the medal count at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics?

All data accurate as of Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at 8:47 a.m.

Meet Team USA 2026: Get to know the athletes behind the games

1. Norway: 33 Total (15 Gold, 8 Silver, 10 Bronze)
2. Italy: 26 Total (9 Gold, 5 Silver, 12 Bronze)
3. United States: 24 Total (7 Gold, 11 Silver, 6 Bronze)
4. Japan: 22 Total (5 Gold, 6 Silver, 11 Bronze)
5. Germany: 21 Total (5 Gold, 8 Silver, 8 Bronze)
6. France: 18 Total (6 Gold, 8 Silver, 4 Bronze)
7. Austria: 17 Total (5 Gold, 8 Silver, 4 Bronze)
8. Netherlands: 15 Total (6 Gold, 7 Silver, 2 Bronze)
8. Sweden: 15 Total (6 Gold, 6 Silver, 3 Bronze)
10. Canada: 14 Total (4 Gold, 4 Silver, 6 Bronze)
11. Switzerland: 13 Total (6 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze)
12. China: 9 Total (2 Gold, 3 Silver, 4 Bronze)
13. South Korea: 7 Total (2 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze)
14. Australia: 6 Total (3 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze)
15. Czech Republic: 4 Total (2 Gold, 2 Silver, 0 Bronze)
15. Slovenia: 4 Total (2 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze)
15. Poland: 4 Total (0 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze)
15. Finland: 4 Total (0 Gold, 0 Silver, 4 Bronze)
19. Great Britain: 3 Total (3 Gold, 0 Silver, 0 Bronze)
19. New Zealand: 3 Total (0 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze)
21. Latvia: 2 Total (0 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze)
21. Bulgaria: 2 Total (0 Gold, 0 Silver, 2 Bronze)
23. Brazil: 1 Total (1 Gold, 0 Silver, 0 Bronze)
23. Kazakhstan: 1 Total (1 Gold, 0 Silver, 0 Bronze)
23. Georgia: 1 Total (0 Gold, 1 Silver, 0 Bronze)
23. Belgium: 1 Total (0 Gold, 0 Silver, 1 Bronze)
23. Spain: 1 Total (0 Gold, 0 Silver, 1 Bronze)

2026 Winter Olympics medal events schedule

Feb. 13

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Men’s 10km Interval Start Free
BIATHLON: Men’s 10km Sprint
SNOWBOARDING: Women’s Cross Final
SPEED SKATING: Men’s 10000m
FIGURE SKATING: Men’s Free Skate
SNOWBOARDING: Men’s Halfpipe Final
SKELETON: Men’s Heat 4

Feb. 14

FREESTYLE SKIING: Women’s Dual Moguls Final
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Women’s 4×7.5km Relay
ALPINE SKIING: Men’s Giant Slalom Final
BIATHLON: Women’s 7.5km Sprint
SPEED SKATING: Men’s 500m
SKELETON: Women’s Final
SKI JUMPING: Men’s Large Hill
SHORT TRACK: Men’s 1500m

Feb. 15

BIATHLON: Men’s 12.5km Pursuit
FREESTYLE SKIING: Men’s Dual Moguls Final
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Men’s 4×7.5km Relay
ALPINE SKIING: Women’s Giant Slalom
SNOWBOARDING: Mixed Team Cross Final
BIATHLON: Women’s 10km Pursuit
SPEED SKATING: Women’s 500m
SKELETON: Mixed Team
SKI JUMPING: Women’s Large Hill

Feb. 16

SHORT TRACK: Women’s 1000m
ALPINE SKIING: Men’s Slalom
FIGURE SKATING: Pair Skating Free Skate
FREESTYLE SKIING: Women’s Big Air Final
SKI JUMPING: Men’s Super Team Final Round
BOBSLED: Women’s Singles

Feb. 17

NORDIC COMBINED: Large Hill/10km: 10km
SNOWBOARDING: Women’s Slopestyle Final
BIATHLON: Men’s 4×7.5km Relay
SPEED SKATING: Men’s, Women’s Team Pursuit Finals
BOBSLED: Men’s Doubles

Feb. 18

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Women’s, Men’s Team Sprint Free Final
FREESTYLE SKIING: Women’s Aerials Final
SNOWBOARDING: Men’s Slopestyle Final
ALPINE SKIING: Women’s Slalom
BIATHLON: Women’s 4x6km Relay
SHORT TRACK: Women’s 3000m Relay
SHORT TRACK: Men’s 500m

Feb. 19

FREESTYLE SKIING: Men’s Aerials Final
SKI MOUNTAINEERING: Women’s, Men’s Sprint
NORDIC COMBINED: Team Sprint/Large Hill 2×7.5km
ICE HOCKEY: Women’s Final
SPEED SKATING: Men’s 1500m
FIGURE SKATING: Women’s Free Skate

Feb. 20

FREESTYLE SKIING: Women’s Cross Final
BIATHLON: Men’s 15km Mass Start
SPEED SKATING: Women’s 1500m
CURLING: Men’s Bronze Medal Game
FREESTYLE SKIING: Men’s Halfpipe Final
SHORT TRACK: Men’s 5000m Relay Final
SHORT TRACK: Women’s 1500m Final

Feb. 21

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Men’s 50km Mass Start Classic
FREESTYLE SKIING: Mixed Team Aerials Final
FREESTYLE SKIING: Men’s Cross Final
SKI MOUNTAINEERING: Mixed Relay
CURLING: Men’s Gold Medal Game, Women’s Bronze Medal Game
BIATHLON: Women’s 12.5km Mass Start
SPEED SKATING: Men’s, Women’s Mass Start
FREESTYLE SKIING: Women’s Halfpipe Final
ICE HOCKEY: Men’s Bronze Medal Game
BOBSLED: Women’s Doubles: Heat 4

Feb. 22

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Women’s 50km Mass Start Classic
CURLING: Women’s Gold Medal Game
BOBSLED: Men’s Quads Final
ICE HOCKEY: Men’s Gold Medal Game

Ski mountaineering, or ‘skimo,’ made its official Olympic debut with men’s and women’s sprint races.
Americans Anna Gibson and Cameron Smith were among the first athletes to compete in the new Olympic sport.
The sport involves athletes ascending a mountain on skis before skiing down.

BORMIO, Italy — If you woke up in the United States sometime Thursday morning and checked social media – we all do it first thing, ignoring the advice of health experts – and saw highlights of men and women seemingly sprinting uphill, then ascending a staircase and finally skiing down a mountain, no, you were not hallucinating.

That was your introduction to ski mountaineering – ‘skimo’ to those in the know. And it was skimo’s introduction to the Olympics, with the men’s and women’s sprint races becoming the first new Olympic sport, officially, since 1998.

Two Americans were in the field, Anna Gibson and Cameron Smith.

‘It’s super fun to be part of this historic moment and help introduce our sport to the world,’ Smith said.

Smith wants those possibly confused fans who found the sport for the first time Thursday morning to know that ski mountaineering, which might seem like a cruel form of torture to many, is actually fun. The exercise and fresh air are two benefits. There’s peace and quiet on the way up during the climbing portion. The thrill on the way down is exhilarating like any ski race.

‘If you have the ability to get out in the mountains, and you can find some gear, it’s a really fun thing to do,’ Smith said. ‘If it looks exciting to watch, then I hope people can give it a try.’

Civilizations in snowy parts of the world have relied on using animal skins beneath ski-like contraptions – if they aren’t considers actual modern skis themselves – for centuries to traverse terrain.

Smith discovered the sport in 2014 when his sister asked him to do the Grand Traverse, a partner race done in teams of two from Crested Butte to Aspen in Colorado. He had no clue what she was talking about but found and purchased old, cheap gear.

Smith became hooked on the mode of travel – and the places it could take him.

‘I just thought it was a cool way to access the mountains and move in the mountains in the winter, when it’s really hard to access wild places,’ the Rockford, Illinois native said.

Gibson and Smith qualified as a team thanks to their performance at the Utah World Cup, where they defeated Canada for the North American slot in these Games and won the entire competition.

Countries that dominate ski mountaineering are typical Winter Olympic powerhouses – France, Switzerland, Italy. Spain is also a strong contender for medals at these Games.

The action Thursday includes just one aspect of ski mountaineering in the sprint races. Normal competitions are much lengthier. The mixed relay is a four-lap race with both athletes alternating turns up and down the mountain.

Gibson was a skier in her youth but was a middle-distance runner in college and only got into the sport when Smith asked her to consider it for a shot at the Olympics.

‘Nothing Anna does should surprise anyone,’ Smith said. ‘She’s capable of amazing things, whatever she puts her mind to.’

The 2026 WNBA draft is scheduled for April 13 and the biggest the question is pretty obvious: Who will the Dallas Wings pick at No. 1?

There’s plenty of talent to evaluate and keep tabs on, including whose WNBA draft stock is rising. From Spain center Awa Fam to LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson, let’s take a look at where prospects could land.

Here’s USA TODAY’s latest 2026 WNBA mock draft*:

*The order in which the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire will pick has yet to be determined due to ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations. It is expected to be decided by a coin flip at a later date.

1. Dallas Wings: Awa Fam, C, Spain

During Unrivaled this offseason, Wings guard Paige Bueckers and Storm center Dominque Malonga have provided blueprint Dallas could replicate. Bueckers and Malonga’s one-two punch has worked well, particularly with post-entry passing and scoring opportunities. At 6-foot-6, Fam could has the potential to duplicate that same setup. Fam is light on her feet and practically floats down the court, moving well in traffic. She also brings three-level scoring Dallas could use to compete with the league’s most dynamic post players.

2. Minnesota Lynx: Azzi Fudd, G, UConn

Fudd has been hovering around 50-40-90 (making 50% of her field goals, 40% from 3 and 90% from the free throw line) this season. Her efficient scoring ability from all over the court could entice Minnesota. While the Lynx could use a post player, the franchise also needs shooting behind guard Kayla McBride, if she returns in free agency. Fudd is an immediate plug-and-play guard who not only brings offense, but is a willing defender that head coach Cheryl Reeve could mold.

3. Seattle Storm: Olivia Miles, G, TCU

There’s no doubt Miles is the best passer in this year’s draft class, but she has also become a scoring machine this season. The 5-foot-10 guard is averaging 20.2 points a game, the most in her career, on 50.5% shooting. During a Feb. 12 game against Baylor, Miles made 10 3-point shots and finished with 40 points. The Horned Frogs guard also leads the nation in triple-doubles with four.

4. Washington Mystics: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA

While Betts is known for her dominant scoring and prowess on the glass, it’s her playmaking skills that have improved this season. Her assists have climbed to a career-high 3.1 per game, and she’s seeing the floor much better out of the post. Betts often draws double or even triple teams, and she’s smartly discovering ways to still get points out of possessions by quickly finding open teammates.

5. Chicago Sky: Flau’jae Johnson, G, LSU

As the leading scorer for LSU and the team’s top defender, Johnson does it all. As a two-player, her skills could be coveted by a franchise like Chicago that needs additional shooting and perimeter defenders. Johnson’s energy on the court is unmatched and comes to life in late-game situations. It’s possible the Sky could take a look at reuniting Johnson with her former LSU teammates, Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith, and seeing if their on-court chemistry can be developed further at the pro level.

6. Toronto Tempo/Portland Fire: Gabriela Jaquez, G, UCLA

Jacquez continues to be a glue player for UCLA, and it’s helped her climb up the draft board. The Bruins guard is a connector in every sense of the word, often helping UCLA’s offense flow seamlessly with timely cuts, shots and passing. She improved her shot and footwork over the offseason. Jacquez is shooting a career high 55.5% from the field and 42% from the 3-point line. Portland or Toronto could thrive with Jaquez in the lineup.

7. Portland Fire/Toronto Tempo: Gianna Kneepkens, G, UCLA

Kneepkens shoots 45% from distance and Portland or Toronto could lean on that skill in early days. The Bruins guard is always ready to make a play, and her catch-and-shoot skills are some of the best in the country. Kneepkens has a quick release that often catches opposing defenders off guard, making her a prime candidate for a breakout game at any time. Additionally, her passing is very crisp when, and it’s not talked about nearly enough. It’s an additional skill set she could lean into at the next level.

8. Golden State Valkyries: Ta’Niya Latson, G, South Carolina

The Florida State transfer has missed five games this season with various injuries, including a knee issue. Still, with Latson in the lineup, South Carolina is a different team. She has a quick burst and gets downhill fast, proving an extra spark offensively while 15.1 points a game. Her defensive pressure allows her to cause disruption, especially in transition. She’s a very patient defender, who rarely gambles, and that’s something Golden State, which had a top-three defensive rating (99.8) last season, should love.

9. Washington Mystics: Kiki Rice, G, UCLA

Rice has elevated her stock by becoming a top scoring option for the Bruins, averaging 15.5 points a game. She’s hitting shots in a variety of ways ― whether it’s driving to the basket, off the dribble or in the rhythm of a catch-and shoot. The 5-foot-11 guard could fill in for Georgia Amoore or provide additional depth for a young Washington squad. Rice is shooting nearly 42% this season from 3-point range, and that can only help the Mystics, who love to punish opponents from the perimeter.

10. Indiana Fever: Madina Okot, C, South Carolina

It’s still unclear if Okot will actually declare for the WNBA draft this season. If she does, she could find a landing spot behind fellow South Carolina product, Fever center Aliyah Boston. The 6-foot-6 center is a walking double-double and her ability to clean up the glass could help an Indiana team that ranked ninth in the WNBA in rebounds per game (33.4). If the Fever can help Okot finish faster at the rim, she could be a gem in Indiana’s system.

11. Washington Mystics: Ashlon Jackson, G, Duke

Jackson is a known 3-point specialist, but her catch-all skills put a nice bow around her game. The senior guard isn’t afraid to crash the glass in crunch time, send an assist a teammate’s way or unleash sweltering defense when Duke needs it most. During the Blue Devils current 16-game win streak, Jackson has scored in double-digits 10 times and had seven games with six or more assists. She could be a nice depth piece for the Mystics, who ranked 11th in points a game (77.1) last season and last in the league in made 3-pointers (5.6).

12. Connecticut Sun: Cotie McMahon, F, Ole Miss

McMahon does it all for Ole Miss and has leaned into playing multiple positions this season. She is an absolute terror when going downhill, and few teams can stop her once her feet touch the paint. The 6-foot senior is excellent at quickly reading the floor and attacking weaknesses in opposing defenses, something that could help her at the next level. As a defender, she may need time to develop once she reaches the WNBA, but her offense could be what helps her get early minutes.

13. Atlanta Dream: Raven Johnson, G, South Carolina

Johnson is having a career year under head coach Dawn Staley, and it just might be enough to get first-round consideration. Staley has trusted Johnson to not only run the offense, but has leaned on her in late-game situations, signaling the guard’s growth. At 10.2 points per game, she’s not a prolific scorer, but she’s efficient from the field (48.8%) and a solid facilitator (5.4 assists per game). Additionally, Johnson’s lockdown defense, her best asset, could be what helps her earn minutes her first year as a pro.

14. Seattle Storm: Marta Suarez, F, TCU

Whether it’s in games or practice, Suarez wants to score. This season, she’s averaging career highs in points per game (16.2) and shooting percentage (48%). The Cal transfer, who has thrived off catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, is also draining a career high 36% of shots from behind the line. Suarez is a versatile player who can pass, defend and score in clutch situations.

15. Connecticut Sun: Tonie Morgan, G, Kentucky

This season, Morgan’s production and leadership have helped elevate the Wildcats into the top 10. The Kentucky guard has terrific body control and sound footwork, not to mention impeccable patience and vision. She’s a willing passer, whose 8.4 assists per game lead the nation. Morgan is also shooting a career high 40% from beyond the arc, which could help her stock as a WNBA draft prospect, elevating her into the first round.