Day 10 Highlights at the 2026 Winter Olympics: Historic Gold for Elana Meyers Taylor, USA Women’s Hockey Advances
The 2026 Winter Olympics live updates from Milan Cortina continue to deliver a cascade of unforgettable moments, with Day 10 proving to be particularly historic. Spectators witnessed veteran athletes achieve long-sought dreams, rising stars cement their places, and teams fight fiercely for a chance at Olympic gold. From thrilling bobsled runs to decisive hockey matchups, Monday, February 16, 2026, was a testament to the spirit and ambition of the world’s elite winter athletes.
Elana Meyers Taylor Secures Elusive Olympic Gold
A defining moment on Day 10 of the 2026 Winter Olympics saw Elana Meyers Taylor, a five-time Olympian, finally clinch her first-ever Olympic gold medal. After an illustrious career that included three silver and two bronze medals, the 41-year-old American bobsledder sped to victory in the women’s monobob competition. Her final breathtaking run propelled her from second place to the top of the podium.
This triumph marks a significant achievement in 2026 Winter Olympics history. Meyers Taylor’s win broke Benjamin Karl’s record for the oldest Winter Olympic gold medalist in an individual event. She also tied Bonnie Blair for the most Winter Olympic medals ever won by a U.S. woman and extended her own record for most Olympic bobsled medals by a woman, now totaling six. USA’s Kaillie Humphries, 40, earned the bronze medal in the same event, further highlighting American dominance in women’s bobsledding.
U.S. Women’s Hockey Punches Ticket to Gold Medal Game
The U.S. women’s hockey team delivered a dominant performance on Monday, securing their spot in the highly anticipated gold medal game. They faced Sweden in the semifinals, achieving an impressive 5-0 shutout victory. This commanding display showcased the depth and skill of the American squad, underscoring their readiness for the ultimate challenge at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Their progression sets the stage for a dramatic final showdown. The U.S. team is now slated to play against arch-rival Canada on February 19, after Canada defeated Switzerland 2-1 in their semifinal match. This will be another chapter in the storied rivalry between the two powerhouse nations in women’s hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Marie-Philip Poulin Makes Olympic Hockey History
In a significant moment for Canadian sports, captain Marie-Philip Poulin made history during Canada’s semifinal victory over Switzerland. Poulin netted her 19th and then 20th goals in Olympic competition, setting a new record for the most goals ever scored by a women’s hockey player in Olympic history. This achievement further solidifies her legendary status within the sport.
Poulin’s record-breaking performance was critical in securing Canada’s place in the 2026 Winter Olympics gold medal game. Her consistent scoring ability and leadership continue to be central to Canada’s pursuit of another Olympic title, adding another compelling layer to the upcoming final against the United States.
Emotional End to Pairs Figure Skating
The pairs figure skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics concluded with an emotional flourish. Japan’s duo, Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, delivered an immaculate and flawless performance that captivated judges and fans alike. Their stunning display earned them the coveted gold medal, marking a historic achievement for Japanese figure skating.
Elsewhere on the ice, American “Blade Angels” — Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito — are gearing up for the women’s short program event. Ahead of their competition, none other than Taylor Swift introduced the trio, highlighting their unique talents and personalities to a global audience. These moments underscore the blend of intense competition and celebrity engagement at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Freeski Big Air Gold for Oldham, Silver for Gu
The women’s freeski big air final provided another spectacle of skill and daring, despite a 75-minute weather delay. Canada’s Megan Oldham emerged victorious, executing massive tricks to claim the gold medal. She outdueled a strong field, including China’s Eileen Gu, who delivered a clutch final run to secure her fifth Olympic medal, a silver.
In a display of incredible grit, Italy’s Flora Tabanelli also made headlines, competing with a torn ACL to land an impressive 1620 and earn the bronze medal. The resilience and talent shown in this event highlight the captivating nature of action sports at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Speed Skating and Dual Moguls Debut
The Dutch continued their dominance on ice, with Xandra Velzeboer pacing the field in the women’s 1000m short track. This marks her second short track gold and the Netherlands’ fourth overall in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, American speed skating sensation Jordan Stolz, whose journey from skating on a backyard pond in Wisconsin to an Olympic star has captured hearts, continues to impress.
Day 10 also featured the highly anticipated Olympic debut of dual moguls. The new event quickly proved to be a crowd-pleaser, delivering fast-paced, head-to-head ski action. Highlights from this inaugural event showcased remarkable athleticism and competitive spirit that new events bring to the 2026 Winter Olympics schedule. More details can be found on Schemess.com.
Overall Medal Count and Enduring Moments
As Day 10 of the 2026 Winter Olympics concluded, Norway maintained its lead in the medal count with 28 medals (12 gold, 7 silver, 9 bronze). Host nation Italy stood strong in second with 23 medals, while the United States ranked third with 19 medals (6 gold, 8 silver, 5 bronze). Seven medal events took place on Monday, contributing to these evolving standings.
Beyond the medals, the Games have been filled with memorable narratives, from Olympians balancing parenthood with competition to unique celebrity appearances like Snoop Dogg and Stanley Tucci meeting at an Italian bar. These human-interest stories, alongside the athletic achievements, continue to shape the legacy of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won the women’s monobob gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Day 10?
Elana Meyers Taylor of the United States won her first Olympic gold medal in women’s monobob on Day 10. Kaillie Humphries won the bronze medal in the same event.
2. Did the U.S. women’s hockey team qualify for the gold medal game?
Yes, the U.S. women’s hockey team secured their spot in the gold medal game by defeating Sweden 5-0 in the semifinals.
3. Who did Canada’s Marie-Philip Poulin surpass for the Olympic goals record?
Marie-Philip Poulin broke the record for most goals scored by a women’s hockey player in Olympic history, netting her 19th and 20th goals during Canada’s semifinal win against Switzerland.
4. Which new event debuted at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Day 10?
Dual moguls made its Olympic debut on Day 10, adding an exciting new freestyle skiing event to the Games.
5. Who are the “Blade Angels” mentioned in the figure skating updates?
The “Blade Angels” refer to American figure skaters Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito, who are preparing for the women’s short program event.
6. What was the outcome of the Freeski Big Air final?
Megan Oldham (Canada) won gold, Eileen Gu (China) took silver, and Flora Tabanelli (Italy) earned bronze in the women’s freeski big air final.
7. Which country is leading the overall medal count after Day 10?
After Day 10, Norway was leading the medal count with a total of 28 medals.
Conclusion
Day 10 of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina was a day of historic triumphs, competitive fervor, and memorable moments. Elana Meyers Taylor’s long-awaited gold medal in women’s monobob stands out as a testament to perseverance, while the U.S. women’s hockey team’s dominant performance has set the stage for a thrilling gold medal showdown against Canada. Significant records were broken, new events captivated audiences, and athletes pushed the boundaries of human performance. As the Games progress, the world watches with anticipation, eager to witness more inspiring stories and athletic excellence unfold on the grand stage of the Winter Olympics.