Winter Olympics medal count: Italy leads after just 3 events, here’s where USA stands

Italy stunned the world on Day 1 of the 2026 Winter Olympics, capturing 3 medals after just 3 events in Milano Cortina. The host nation’s explosive start raises questions about where Team USA stands in the early medal race as competition intensifies across the Italian Alps.

Italy’s Perfect Opening Sets Record Pace After Three Events

Francesca Lollobrigida delivered the home nation’s crown jewel when she won gold in the women’s 3000m speed skating, breaking an Olympic record in the process. This stunning performance capped Italy’s three-medal haul on February 7. Giovanni Franzoni added silver in men’s downhill alpine skiing, and Alex Visintin captured bronze in snowboarding to cement Italy’s explosive start.

Switzerland claimed the day’s first gold when Franjo von Allmen won men’s downhill, setting early momentum. Sweden rounds out the top three nations with 2 medals, including 1 gold medal. The host advantage appears tangible as Italian athletes ride home crowd momentum toward medal success.

Where Does Team USA Stand in Early Medal Race?

Team USA has not yet captured any medals on Day 1, but the women’s hockey team delivered an impressive 5-0 shutout victory over Finland in preliminary round action. Captain Hilary Knight scored her 14th Olympic goal, tying the all-time American record for women’s hockey. Goalie Aerin Frankel proved dominant between the pipes with crucial saves.

The Americans hold 330 total Winter Olympic medals in all-time history, ranking second behind Norway’s 405 medals. With 116 medal events still ahead and 17 days of competition remaining, Team USA has ample opportunity to climb the standings. Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and team sports remain fierce battlegrounds for American medal hopes.

Tournament Medal Standings After Day 1

The current medal table shows Italy’s commanding position after just three events. Nordic nations like Sweden and Norway trail close behind, maintaining historical dominance. Switzerland enters the medal race with early momentum.

Country	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
Italy	1	1	1	3
Sweden	1	1	0	2
Switzerland	1	0	0	1
Norway	0	1	1	2
USA	0	0	0	0

“Italy is having an incredible start to these home Olympics. That speed skating record from Lollobrigida sets the tone for what’s to come here in Milano Cortina.”

— Olympic analyst reporting from Milano Cortina, 2026

Alpine Skiing and Speed Skating Dominate Early Medal Race

Alpine skiing and speed skating delivered the first medals of Milano Cortina 2026. Switzerland’s Franjo von Allmen captured the men’s downhill gold in a thrilling early race. Italy’s Francesca Lollobrigida electrified home fans with her record-breaking 3000m speed skating performance. Team events like figure skating and ice hockey provide further medal opportunities throughout the games.

Team USA has strong contenders across multiple disciplines. The women’s hockey dominance signals American strength in team competition. Alpine skiers, freestyle specialists, and cross-country competitors will seek to elevate Team USA up the standings as the games progress.

What’s Next for Team USA in the Coming Days?

Team USA’s medal chances expand significantly as more events unfold. The women’s hockey team returns on Monday against Switzerland seeking their third consecutive win. Hilary Knight chases history with the potential to set a new all-time American goals record. Alpine skiing events, snowboarding, and freestyle skiing competitions offer prime opportunities for American athletes to add hardware.

With only 3 events complete and 113 medals still contested, the medal race remains completely open. Italy’s hot start shows that home advantage matters, but traditional powerhouses like Norway, Sweden, and Team USA have two weeks to accumulate medals and dominate the final standings. Which nation will hoist the most gold by the closing ceremony on February 22?

Sources

• 2026 Milano Cortina Official Olympics – Official medal table and standings
• CBS Sports – Team USA women’s hockey updates and Day 1 results
• NBC Sports – Winter Olympics medal tracker and live updates