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Norway Dominates 2026 Winter Olympics Medal Count

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/18 .. -dominates-2026-winter-olympics-medal-count.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 8:20 GMT by WTOP News
      Locales: ITALY, CANADA, CHINA, FRANCE

Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy - February 18, 2026 - As the 2026 Winter Olympic Games enter their final days, Norway continues to assert its dominance, leading the medal count with a commanding 25 medals - 12 gold, 7 silver, and 6 bronze. The competition, jointly hosted by Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, has been marked by exceptional athletic performances, surprising upsets, and a palpable sense of excitement amongst fans both in the stands and watching globally.

Germany remains a strong contender, trailing Norway with 24 medals (8 gold, 7 silver, 9 bronze). The German team has consistently performed well across a range of disciplines, particularly in bobsleigh, luge, and alpine skiing. Canada is holding steady in third place with 21 medals (7 gold, 8 silver, 6 bronze), showcasing its traditional strength in ice hockey and figure skating, as well as strong performances in snowboarding and ski cross.

The United States is close behind with 20 medals (6 gold, 6 silver, 8 bronze), with American athletes proving competitive in several events. The US team's success has been fueled by breakout performances in freestyle skiing and a particularly strong showing in short track speed skating. Sweden occupies fifth position with 15 medals (5 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze), while Switzerland, known for its alpine prowess, is sixth with 14 medals (4 gold, 6 silver, 4 bronze).

Austria, a traditional winter sports powerhouse, is in eighth place with 12 medals (4 gold, 3 silver, 5 bronze). Their performance, while solid, has been slightly below expectations compared to previous Winter Games. Japan has equalled Switzerland and Austria's medal count, boasting 14 total (3 gold, 5 silver, 6 bronze) and demonstrating growing strength in speed skating and ski jumping. The Netherlands and Italy round out the top ten, both with 10 medals apiece. The Dutch have excelled in long track speed skating, while Italy has enjoyed home-field advantage, particularly in alpine skiing.

Key Trends and Surprises

This year's Games have seen several notable trends. The rise of new nations in traditionally dominant sports is becoming increasingly apparent. Nations like China, while not currently in the top ten, are investing heavily in winter sports infrastructure and athlete development, and are beginning to challenge the established powers. The inclusion of new events, like women's monobob, is also attracting new audiences and broadening the scope of the Games.

One of the biggest surprises of the Games has been the performance of the Norwegian cross-country skiers, who have consistently swept the podium in multiple events. Their rigorous training regimen and advanced equipment are clearly paying dividends. Equally impressive has been the resilience of the Canadian women's hockey team, who have remained undefeated throughout the tournament.

Looking Ahead

The final few days of competition promise to be thrilling, with several events still to be decided. The men's ice hockey final is expected to be a particularly intense showdown, with Canada and the United States considered the favorites. The alpine skiing downhill events will also draw large crowds, as athletes push the limits of speed and skill. The closing ceremony is expected to be a spectacular celebration of athletic achievement and international camaraderie.

The 2026 Winter Olympics have once again demonstrated the unifying power of sport. Despite geopolitical challenges and the ongoing global pandemic, athletes from around the world have come together to compete with grace, determination, and sportsmanship. The Games have provided a much-needed dose of positivity and inspiration, reminding us of the values of perseverance, teamwork, and excellence.

As the flame is extinguished, the legacy of the 2026 Winter Olympics will live on, inspiring future generations of athletes and fans alike. The host cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo have showcased Italy's passion for winter sports and its commitment to hosting world-class events. The Games have also highlighted the importance of investing in sustainable infrastructure and promoting environmental responsibility.