By Julian Navarro
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Jack Hughes in the right, celebrates with his team after his scoring goal led to Canada’s loss on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.
Photo/AP Photo
The 2026 Winter Olympics Ends with Team USA’s Heated Victories as many athletes competed for gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics. American ice hockey player, Jack Hughes who plays for the New Jersey Devils achieved its stunning win when his overtime goal led to Team USA to secure its win against Canada on February 22. In the world of ice hockey, USA and Canada have always become fierce rivals between each other throughout history, so this match was significant towards Team USA. The American hockey team have made losses throughout history such as in the 2002 Salt Lake City and 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic gold medal games. Additionally, they also faced a loss in the 4 Nationals Face-Off final on February 2025. The 2026 Winter Olympics marked the first time Team USA won gold medals for both men’s and women’s hockey team.
Alysa Liu at the 2026 Winter Olympics
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Another stunning victory comes from young Alysa Liu, who at 20 years old achieved a gold medal from her skating performance. At the medal ceremony, Liu said “I’m very happy with how I skated, it was an unbelievable feeling when I was done skating. And when I was skating – hearing the cheers – and I felt so connected with the audience. I want to be out there again.” She initially left skating after the 2022 Winter Olympics, but two years later she regained her motivation to begin training. In less than a year later, she became an ice skating champion, which shocked everyone, including herself.
Breezy Johnson in the center as gold medalist on the podium accompanied with silver medalist Emma Aicher, (left) from Germany and bronze medalist Sofia Goggia (right) from Italy on Feb. 8, 2026.
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Breezy Johnson, an alpine skier won her first gold medal from her streaking run down on the Cortina downhill track. Johnson was the fastest woman on the course with a finished run at 1:36:10, which was sufficiently fast for her to achieve a gold medal. Her gold medal accomplishment lead to securing the first medal for the United States.
In summary, The 2026 Winter Olympics ends with Team USA’s heated victories as USA finished in second place in gold medal distributions at just 12 gold medals. While Norway became first place winning 18 gold medals and the Netherlands remaining in third place with 10 gold medals.