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Norway and Germany Locked in Tight Winter Olympics Medal Race

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/14 .. -locked-in-tight-winter-olympics-medal-race.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 19:08 GMT by WTOP News
      Locales: ITALY, UNITED STATES, CANADA, FRANCE, JAPAN

MILAN & CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (WTTG) - February 15, 2026 - The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo are entering their final stretch, and the competition for the top spot on the medal table remains fiercely contested. As of today, Sunday, February 15th, Norway and Germany are locked in a dead heat, both boasting an impressive 25 medals. However, Norway currently leads by virtue of having a higher gold medal count (12 to Germany's 8).

The United States follows closely behind with 22 medals, while Canada and Sweden round out the top five with 19 and 15 medals respectively. Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Netherlands and South Korea complete the current top ten, demonstrating a broad distribution of athletic excellence across nations.

A Look at the Leaders

Norway's continued dominance in winter sports is no surprise. Their consistently strong performance across disciplines like cross-country skiing, biathlon, and ski jumping has solidified their position as a winter sports powerhouse. This year, they've particularly excelled in the newer mixed-team events, strategically maximizing their medal opportunities. The nation's robust funding for winter sports programs and a deep-rooted cultural enthusiasm for outdoor activities contribute significantly to their success.

Germany, traditionally strong in bobsleigh, luge, and alpine skiing, has been a formidable competitor. While trailing Norway in gold, their impressive number of silver medals indicates a consistently high level of performance across multiple events. Germany's methodical training regimes and focus on technical precision are key to their achievements.

The United States is enjoying a successful Games, demonstrating strength in figure skating, snowboarding, and freestyle skiing. Several American athletes have become household names, captivating audiences with thrilling performances and pushing the boundaries of their sports. A resurgent performance in speed skating has also contributed to the US medal haul.

Surprises and Standout Performances

While the usual suspects are performing well, the 2026 Games have seen some unexpected results. Japan's strong showing, securing 12 medals, is particularly noteworthy. Their increased investment in winter sports infrastructure and a new generation of talented athletes have propelled them into the top ten. The country's performance in ski jumping and speed skating has been exceptional.

Switzerland has also exceeded expectations, securing a solid 16 medals. Their consistently strong performances in alpine skiing, coupled with emerging talent in other disciplines, has cemented their position as a leading winter sports nation.

Several individual athletes have captured the hearts of fans. In snowboarding, 17-year-old Kai Ito of Japan has become a sensation, winning gold in the men's halfpipe and silver in slopestyle. Veteran cross-country skier, Therese Johaug of Norway, continues to demonstrate remarkable endurance and skill, adding to her already impressive Olympic medal collection. The US figure skating pair, Isabella Rossi and Ethan Blake, delivered a stunning performance in the pairs competition, securing a gold medal and captivating audiences with their artistry and athleticism.

Impact of New Events

The inclusion of several new events in the 2026 Winter Olympics has injected fresh excitement into the Games. Mixed-team events, in particular, have proven popular, providing opportunities for smaller nations to compete and challenging the traditional dominance of a few powerhouses. The addition of women's ski jumping events has also been celebrated as a significant step towards gender equality in sports.

Final Days of Competition

With only a few days remaining, the battle for medal supremacy is set to intensify. Key events in alpine skiing, hockey, and biathlon will likely determine the final standings. Experts predict that Germany will continue to push for gold, while Norway will strive to maintain its lead. The United States and Canada are also expected to add to their medal counts.

Stay Tuned

For complete Winter Olympics results, a detailed schedule of events, and the latest stories from the Winter Games, please visit the links provided. The world watches with bated breath as the athletes continue to inspire and compete for glory in the beautiful Italian Alps.

[ Complete Winter Olympics Results ] (link is a placeholder) [ Schedule of Events ] (link is a placeholder) [ Latest Stories from the Winter Games ] (link is a placeholder)