Day 1 of 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics in pictures

Here are the best storylines from Day 1 of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, told through pictures.

Francesca Lollobrigida screeches around the Milano Speed Skating Stadium to post an Olympic-record time in the women's 3,000m and capture Italy's first gold medal of the Games. That's a pretty iconic way to celebrate your 35th birthday.

Franjo von Allmen of Switzerland bombs down the slopes at Stelvio Alpine Skiing Centre in Bormio to secure the first gold medal of the Milan Cortina Olympics. Italy's Giovanni Franzoni and Dominik Paris won silver and bronze, respectively, to round out the podium and give the host country something to be proud of early.

Sweden's Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson embrace at the finish line of the women's 10km + 10km skiathlon after winning gold and silver, respectively. Karlsson grabbed a Swedish flag from a spectator prior to crossing the line, finishing 51 seconds ahead of the competition.

Norway's Anna Odine Stroem sails to victory in women's normal hill ski jumping. The Norwegians finished the first day tied for the medal lead with host Italy and Sweden. The countries each have three medals: a gold, a silver, and a bronze.

Japan's Kira Kimura sends it in men's snowboard big air en route to gold. He was joined on the podium by countryman Ryota Kimata, who claimed silver.

Ilia Malinin pulls off a backflip as part of his short program for the team event in figure skating. His second-place finish added nine points to the Americans' tally, securing a spot in the final round.

Eileen Gu goes aerial during women's freestyle skiing slopestyle qualification. The American-born Chinese star overcame a fall during her first run to qualify for Monday's finals.

For the second consecutive day, Lindsey Vonn completed a successful training run despite rupturing her left ACL last week. The 41-year-old American will pursue a fourth Olympic medal during Sunday morning's race.

Hilary Knight scores midway through the second period against Finland for her 14th career Olympic goal, tying the all-time Team USA record. With one more, the Seattle Torrent forward will surpass Natalie Darwitz and Katie King-Crowley.

Miro Tabanelli of Italy competes in men's freestyle skiing slopestyle qualification at Livigno Snow Park. It's the Alps that deserve a medal here though.

American Matthew Greiner participates in the second run of luge training. The medals for men's singles luge will be awarded Sunday.

Natalie Spooner watches a puck sail above the net against Switzerland in Canada's hockey opener. The reigning Olympic champs had their tournament start delayed by Finland's stomach virus. Spooner went on to score the opening goal of the game, a decisive 4-0 victory.

Canada's Stephen Gogolev performs in the men's short program for the team event in figure skating. The 21-year-old finished third behind Malinin and Japanese breakout star Yuma Kagiyama. Medals for the event will be awarded after the final Sunday.