The 2026 Winter Olympics just hit Day 11, and the drama is heating up! Alysa Liu delivered a breathtaking performance in the women’s figure skating short program, but can she or her teammates crack the podium? Meanwhile, the U.S. men’s hockey team is gearing up for a high-stakes showdown with Sweden. But here’s where it gets controversial: Are the Americans truly ready for this gold medal-level matchup after Sweden’s bumpy ride to the quarterfinals? Let’s dive into the highlights and controversies of this action-packed day.
The Athletic is your go-to source for live coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, including the nail-biting men’s hockey quarterfinal between Canada and Czechia. Check out our live blog (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/winter-olympics-2026-milano-cortina-live-updates-day-11-schedule-events-scores-results/MXgFmLkuj9aW/) for real-time updates and the full medal count (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/2026-winter-olympics-medal-results/).
Alysa Liu’s performance on Tuesday was nothing short of divine. With a near-flawless routine, she scored a season-best 76.59, securing third place—just 2.12 points behind Japan’s Ami Nakai. But here’s the twist: her teammates, Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito, face an uphill battle. Glenn, the highest-ranking American globally, stumbled on one of her easiest jumps, plummeting to 13th place. Levito sits in eighth, but both will need perfection—and some luck—to reach the podium on Thursday. Is this the year the U.S. breaks its 20-year medal drought in women’s figure skating? Or will the competition prove too fierce?
Liu herself exuded confidence, saying, “I felt super grounded and connected with my program on another level compared to the rest of the season.” Yet, the question remains: Can her teammates rise to the occasion, or will they fall short under the pressure?
Speaking of pressure, the U.S. men’s hockey team is set to face Sweden in a quarterfinal clash that feels like a gold medal game. Sweden, a pre-tournament favorite alongside Canada and the U.S., had to scrap their way into the final eight, while the Americans cruised through with ease. Sweden’s coach, Sam Hallam, believes their tougher path could be an advantage. But is he right? Or will the U.S.’s smooth journey give them the edge?
In other news, Norway’s Tormod Frostad stunned the world with a near-perfect final jump in the men’s freeski big air, clinching gold with a score of 195.50. The U.S.’s Mac Forehand took silver, but was this Norway’s day to shine, or did the Americans simply fall short?
It wasn’t all glory for Team USA, though. The men’s and women’s speedskating teams, both favored for gold, fell short of expectations. The men settled for silver after a stunning loss to Italy, while the women finished fourth. Is this a sign of rising global competition, or did the U.S. teams underestimate their opponents?
And in a heartwarming update, Lindsey Vonn has returned to the U.S. after a week in an Italian hospital following a horrific crash. Despite her injuries, Vonn remains resilient, thanking her Italian caregivers and inspiring fans worldwide. Will her comeback story redefine what’s possible in sports?
As Day 11 wraps up, one thing is clear: the 2026 Olympics are far from over. From figure skating drama to hockey showdowns, every moment is packed with emotion and intrigue. What’s your take? Are the U.S. teams living up to expectations, or is the global stage proving too competitive? Share your thoughts in the comments!
