Milano Cortina 2026 Final Medal Table: The flame has been extinguished at the Arena di Verona, marking the official conclusion of the XXV Olympic Winter Games. For sixteen days, the Italian Alps and the city of Milan served as the backdrop for some of the most dramatic sporting moments in recent memory. As the dust settles on the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, one story stands above the rest: the historic, record-breaking performance of Team USA.
Entering the final weekend, the United States was locked in a fierce battle for a top-three finish. However, a surge of gold-medal performances in the closing 48 hours—headlined by a legendary victory on the ice—propelled the U.S. to its most successful Winter Games in history. In this comprehensive report, we break down the final medal table, analyze Team USA’s historic haul, and look at the global standings that defined these Games.
The Final Medal Table: Top 10 Nations
The 2026 Winter Olympics saw a familiar face at the top of the standings, but the battle for the remaining spots was closer than ever. Norway once again proved its winter sports dominance, while the United States and host nation Italy rounded out a powerhouse top three.
| Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 14 | 12 | 15 | 41 |
| 2 | United States | 12 | 10 | 11 | 33 |
| 3 | Italy | 10 | 11 | 9 | 30 |
| 4 | Germany | 9 | 8 | 10 | 27 |
| 5 | Canada | 8 | 12 | 10 | 30 |
| 6 | Sweden | 7 | 6 | 8 | 21 |
| 7 | Austria | 6 | 7 | 9 | 22 |
| 8 | Switzerland | 6 | 5 | 7 | 18 |
| 9 | Netherlands | 5 | 7 | 4 | 16 |
| 10 | France | 5 | 6 | 8 | 19 |
Note: Rankings are based on the traditional Olympic gold-first method.
Team USA’s Historic 12-Gold Haul
For the United States, Milano Cortina 2026 will be remembered as the “Golden Games.” By finishing with 12 gold medals, Team USA surpassed its previous Winter Olympics record of 10 (set in Salt Lake City 2002 and matched in Vancouver 2010).
The path to 12 golds was a testament to the diversity of American winter sports talent. While traditional strongholds like snowboarding and alpine skiing contributed, it was the breakthrough performances in freestyle skiing and the dramatic return to the top of the hockey world that pushed the U.S. into the record books.
The Final Weekend Surge
Going into Saturday, February 21, the U.S. sat at 9 gold medals. The record-breaking 11th gold came in spectacular fashion during the Freestyle Skiing Mixed Team Aerials. The trio of Kaila Kuhn, Connor Curran, and Chris Lillis delivered a masterclass in precision and bravery, edging out China in a nail-biting final to secure the record.
However, the “cherry on top” came on Sunday, February 22—the final day of competition. In what many are calling the “Miracle on Ice 2.0,” the U.S. Men’s Hockey team defeated Canada 2-1 in an overtime thriller. Jack Hughes’ golden goal didn’t just end a 46-year drought; it provided the 12th and final gold medal, cementing this team’s place in history.
Key Performers: The Faces of the American Record
While every medal counts toward the total, several athletes emerged as the defining faces of Team USA’s success in Italy.
Mikaela Shiffrin: The G.O.A.T. Continues
Mikaela Shiffrin entered these Games with immense pressure, and she delivered. By winning gold in the Women’s Giant Slalom, Shiffrin further solidified her status as the greatest alpine skier of all time. Her composure on the icy slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo was a highlight of the first week and set the tone for the rest of the delegation.
Chloe Kim: The Three-Peat
In the halfpipe, Chloe Kim remained untouchable. She became the first woman to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the Snowboard Halfpipe, a feat that underscores her absolute dominance in the sport. Her victory was a masterclass in technical difficulty and style, leaving the rest of the field fighting for silver.
The “Hughes Era” Begins
The Hughes brothers—Quinn and Jack—became the first brothers to lead Team USA to a hockey gold medal. Quinn Hughes, serving as captain, was a defensive stalwart throughout the tournament, while Jack Hughes provided the offensive spark, culminating in the overtime winner against Canada. Their impact on the ice was the emotional heartbeat of the final weekend.
Norway’s Continued Dominance
Despite the U.S. record, Norway remained the undisputed king of the Winter Olympics. Finishing with 14 gold medals and 41 total medals, the Norwegians dominated the cross-country skiing and biathlon events.
Athletes like Johannes Thingnes Bø in biathlon and Therese Johaug (returning for a final swan song) in cross-country ensured that the Norwegian anthem was a frequent sound in the Italian mountains. Norway’s ability to consistently produce elite talent in endurance sports remains the gold standard for winter nations.
Host Nation Heroics: Italy’s Best Finish
The home crowd had plenty to cheer for as Italy finished 3rd in the medal table with 10 golds and 30 total medals. This represents Italy’s best-ever performance at a Winter Olympics, surpassing their previous high from Lillehammer 1994.
The star of the show for the hosts was undoubtedly Sofia Goggia, who defied the odds to win gold in the Women’s Downhill. The atmosphere in Cortina as she crossed the finish line was one of the most electric moments of the Games. Italy’s success in short-track speed skating and luge also contributed to their historic podium finish.
