The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are heating up, with Team USA making early waves by securing two gold medals in the first two days. Meanwhile, Norway aims to defend its title as the Winter Games’ most decorated nation. Here’s the latest medal count and analysis of what it means for the competition.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are underway, and the medal race is already shaping up to be one of the most compelling in recent history. Team USA, fielding its largest Winter Olympics delegation ever with 232 athletes, has wasted no time asserting its dominance, securing two gold medals in the first two days. But as history has shown, Norway remains the powerhouse to beat in winter sports.
With the Games featuring 87 competing nations, the battle for the top of the medal table is fierce. Here’s a breakdown of the current standings, key performances, and what it all means for the nations vying for winter supremacy.
Team USA’s Strong Start: Two Golds and Counting
Team USA’s campaign began with a golden statement. On the opening weekend, Breezy Johnson claimed the first gold medal of the Games for the U.S. in the women’s downhill skiing event, adding to her reputation as one of the sport’s most exciting talents. The victory marked a historic moment for U.S. skiing
Not to be outdone, the U.S. figure skating team delivered a masterclass in the team event, securing gold with a performance highlighted by Ilia Malinin’s breathtaking routines. Known as the “Quad God” for his ability to execute the most difficult jumps in figure skating, Malinin’s dominance was a key factor in the team’s success.
Adding to the early success, Ben Ogden made history by becoming the first American man to win an Olympic medal in cross-country skiing since 1976, claiming silver in the sprint. His performance was a reminder of the depth of talent in Team USA’s roster. Meanwhile, freestyle skier Alex Hall added another silver, and the women’s downhill team of Jackie Wiles and Paula Moltzan secured bronze.
With mixed doubles curling guaranteed to deliver another medal—either silver or gold—Team USA is poised for one of its strongest Winter Olympics showings in recent memory.
The Medal Table: Current Standings
The 2026 Winter Olympics feature a packed schedule across multiple sports, with medals being awarded across disciplines such as skiing, figure skating, curling, and more. Below is a snapshot of the current medal standings as of February 10, 2026. This table is updated hourly as events conclude and medals are awarded.
| Rank | Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| 2 | Norway | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | Switzerland | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 4 | Germany | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
For the full updated medal count, visit CBS News.
Norway’s Quest for Continuing Dominance
While Team USA is off to a flying start, Norway remains the country to watch. Historically, Norway has been the most successful nation in Winter Olympics history, and the 2026 Games are no exception. At the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Norway topped the medal table with 37 total medals, including an impressive 16 golds. Their consistency is unmatched: from cross-country skiing to biathlon, Norway’s athletes have redefined excellence in winter sports.
One of Norway’s standout early performers in the 2026 Games is Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who has already added to his legacy with a gold medal in cross-country skiing. Norway’s depth in skiing and biathlon events means they remain the favorites to retain their title as the top medal-winning nation in the Winter Olympics.
Historical Context: The All-Time Winter Olympics Medal Leaders
While the 2026 Games are just getting started, the historical context looms large. Since the inception of the Winter Olympics, Norway has been the leader in total medals won, with an astonishing 404 medals to date. The United States trails slightly with 330 medals, while Germany rounds out the top three with 286.
This dominance is particularly notable in winter sports like cross-country skiing and biathlon, where Norway’s expertise is unparalleled. The country’s focus on athletic development, infrastructure, and a strong winter sports culture has cemented its place at the top of the medal table for decades.
What’s Next for Team USA?
With the Games unfolding daily, Team USA has several athletes poised for further success. The mixed doubles curling team is a strong contender for gold, and events like ice hockey, snowboarding, and speed skating are still to come. If recent performances are any indication, Team USA could challenge for the top spot in the final medal count.
Moreover, the introduction of new events and a deeper talent pool suggests that the U.S. is well on its way to closing the historical gap with Norway. The 2026 Winter Olympics could represent a watershed moment for American winter sports.
For fans eager for the fastest, most insightful updates, onlytrustedinfo.com delivers real-time analysis and expert breakdowns of every major development at the Games. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage of the most thrilling sporting event of the year.
