As the Games moved past the halfway mark, Day 8 of Milano Cortino 2026 delivered dramatic finishes, historic milestones and strong performances from winter sports powerhouses.

Stolz Strikes Again on the Ice

One of the biggest highlights of the day came in Speed Skating, where American sensation Jordan Stolz captured gold in the Men’s 500m, delivering a blistering performance on the ice. The victory marked his second gold medal of the Games, further establishing the young American as one of the breakout stars of Milano Cortina 2026.

The race showcased the intense competitiveness of Olympic Speed Skating, with athletes separated by fractions of a second in one of the fastest events of the Winter Games.

Brazil Creates Winter Olympics History

Another landmark moment arrived in Alpine Skiing as Lucas Pinheiro Braathen produced a sensational run to win gold in the Men’s Giant Slalom.

The victory carried historic significance — it marked Brazil’s first-ever medal and gold medal in Winter Olympic history, making the South American nation the first tropical country to reach the top of a Winter Olympic podium. The achievement became one of the defining stories of the Games and highlighted the growing global reach of winter sports.

Short Track Brilliance for the Netherlands

In short track Speed Skating, Dutch star Xandra Velzeboer continued her remarkable Olympic campaign by winning gold in the Women’s 1000m. Her late surge secured victory ahead of Canada’s Courtney Sarault and Korea’s Kim Gilli, giving the Netherlands another gold in one of its strongest disciplines.

The win further reinforced the Netherlands’ reputation as a dominant force in Olympic Skating events.

Medal Table after Day 8