2026 Winter Olympics: Ilia Malinin, Alysa Liu Shine in Figure Skating Gala as Klæbo Sets Record
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano‑Cortina assembled the world’s top winter athletes in a thrilling finale on February 21, 2026. On the final competitive day, Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo set a new Winter Olympic record by winning six gold medals in one Games, surpassing the long‑standing mark of five set in 1980.
In the figure skating realm, Alysa Liu’s gold and the star‑studded Exhibition Gala featuring Ilia Malinin turned heads. Across disciplines, records fell, history was made, and fans saw the Games close with remarkable performances.
Klæbo’s Historic Sweep in Cross‑Country Skiing
Six Gold Medals Write History
Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo delivered one of the most dominant performances in Winter Olympics history. At 29, Klæbo clinched gold in the men’s 50km mass start classic, pushing his total to six gold medals at the 2026 Games. His effort supplanted Eric Heiden’s 1980 record of five golds in a single Winter Olympics.
Klæbo’s deep versatility was on full display. He won in sprint, skiathlon, team events, and long-distance formats, covering over 115 kilometers in 10 races over the two weeks. This level of endurance and consistency is unprecedented in Olympic cross‑country ski competition.
Alysa Liu Dazzles Following Gold Victory
Gould Medal Triumph and Gala Performance
Alysa Liu added to the 2026 Winter Olympics narrative by winning women’s singles figure skating gold on February 19, with a score of 226.79, the first American women’s title since 2002. She edged out Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai on total score.
Two days later, Liu electrified the Olympic Exhibition Gala in Milan, performing expressive routines to music, including “Stateside” by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson. The celebration gathered medalists from around the world in a non‑competitive spectacle.
Exhibition Gala: Ilia Malinin and Skating Stars
Gala Highlights and Artistic Flair
The 2026 Winter Olympics figure skating Exhibition Gala on February 21 showcased stars beyond medal events. Ilia Malinin, despite not winning individual hardware in Milan, performed alongside medalists like Liu and Amber Glenn.
The gala format, unconstrained by judges or scores, allowed athletes to emphasize artistry and crowd engagement. This made it a highlight of the closing festivities. The event blended technical prowess with entertainment, showcasing routines that pushed creative boundaries.
Medal Leaders: Norway and USA Stand Out
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approached its closing ceremony, Norway and the United States led the medal count. Norway dominated with more than 18 gold medals and 40 total medals across disciplines. The USA achieved a record 11 gold medals, the most by an American team at a single Winter Olympics across 12 of 17 sports.
Team USA’s golds came from freeski mixed aerials, women’s hockey, skiing, and figure skating, demonstrating broad strength across sports. Meanwhile, Norway’s excellence was anchored by Klæbo’s sweep and depth in Nordic events.
Key Performances Across Sports
Standout Moments Beyond Skating and Skiing
Beyond figure skating and cross‑country, the 2026 Winter Olympics delivered gripping results in several sports:
- Curling: Canada defeated Great Britain 9‑6 for the men’s gold.
- Ice Hockey: Finland secured a 4‑1 bronze medal over Slovakia.
- Ski Mountaineering: France captured gold in the mixed relay.
2026 Winter Olympics: Medal Count Snapshot
| Country | Gold Medals | Total Medals | Highlight Athlete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | 18+ | 40+ | Johannes H. Klæbo |
| USA | 11 | 30+ | Alysa Liu |
| Canada | Multiple | Podium Finishes | Curling, Skiing |
| Data from official Olympic results as of Feb. 21, 2026. |
Bottom Line
The 2026 Winter Olympics closed with unforgettable performances, historic records, and cultural celebration. Klæbo’s six gold medals reshaped cross‑country skiing history, and Alysa Liu’s gold and gala performance captured hearts worldwide. The Exhibition Gala added a celebratory flourish to a Games defined by excellence across sports.
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