Winter Olympics Updates: Milan Cortina Highlights

Stolz Secures Second Speedskating Gold

American speedskater Jordan Stolz has continued his dominant performance at the Milan Cortina Olympics. He secured his second gold medal by winning the men's 500 meters with an Olympic record time of 33.77 seconds. This victory adds to his earlier triumph in the 1,000 meters, making him one of the standout athletes of the Games.

Stolz joins Eric Heiden as the only skaters to win both the 500 and 1,000 meters at the same Olympics. Jenning de Boo of the Netherlands earned the silver medal in the 500m, with Canada's Laurent Dubreuil taking the bronze. Stolz is still scheduled to compete in the 1,500 meters and the mass start, with potential for further medals.

Jordan Stolz claimed his second gold medal, setting an Olympic record in the 500m and joining Eric Heiden in an exclusive club of double-event winners.

Braathen Makes History for South America in Alpine Skiing

Brazilian alpine skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen achieved South America's first Winter Olympics gold medal by winning the giant slalom. The 25-year-old, who has Norwegian and Brazilian heritage, made a historic run.

He recorded a two-run time of 2 minutes, 25 seconds, finishing 0.58 seconds ahead of defending champion Marco Odermatt of Switzerland, who took silver. Odermatt's teammate, Loic Meillard, secured the bronze medal, completing a strong showing for Switzerland in the event.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen made history, securing South America's inaugural Winter Olympics gold medal in alpine skiing.

Kirkeeide Claims Biathlon Gold in Sprint Event

Norwegian biathlete Maren Kirkeeide won gold in the women's 7.5-kilometer sprint. Her precise shooting and swift skiing led her to victory.

She completed the race in 20 minutes and 40.8 seconds after clearing all 10 of her shots. Oceane Michelon of France finished just 3.8 seconds behind to earn the silver medal, while her compatriot Lou Jeanmonnot secured the bronze. This win marks a significant improvement for Kirkeeide, especially following a 49th-place finish in her first Olympic biathlon race.

Maren Kirkeeide clinched biathlon gold in the 7.5km sprint, marking a remarkable comeback after a previous 49th-place finish.

Norway Victorious in Women's Cross-Country Relay

Norway claimed gold in the women's cross-country relay, capitalizing on an unexpected turn of events for their rivals. Sweden had been leading during the second leg of the race when Ebba Andersson experienced a ski binding issue, causing a significant loss of time.

Norway completed the 4 x 7.5-kilometer race in 1 hour, 15 minutes and 44.8 seconds, finishing a commanding 50 seconds ahead of Sweden, who ultimately secured the silver medal. Finland rounded out the podium, taking home the bronze medal.

Norway took advantage of a ski binding issue for leading Sweden to secure gold in the women's cross-country relay.