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UPDATE AT 12:00 PM – The Milan Cortina Olympics have officially commenced, marking the beginning of an exhilarating two weeks of competition. The opening ceremony set the stage for athletes from around the world, all vying for Olympic glory in Italy.
As events unfold, both challenges and triumphs have already emerged. The first day of competitions has featured unexpected twists and outstanding performances, captivating sports fans globally.
The facts
Women’s hockey: A challenging start
The women’s hockey tournament faced an unsettling challenge as Switzerland prepared to compete against the reigning champions, Canada. A player from the Swiss team tested positive for norovirus, forcing the entire squad into isolation. As a result, they missed the opening ceremony, adding uncertainty to the match. Canada’s opener against Finland, originally scheduled for Thursday, was postponed to February 12 due to a similar outbreak affecting the Finnish team.
Despite these hurdles, Finland’s women’s hockey team has received clearance to compete against the United States later today. However, uncertainty regarding player availability remains a concern.
Men’s downhill: A race for gold
The first gold medal of the Olympics was awarded in the men’s downhill event. Franjo von Allmen from Switzerland claimed the gold with an impressive time of 1 minute and 51.61 seconds, outpacing Italian rivals Giovanni Franzoni and Dominik Paris, who took silver and bronze respectively. Canadian skier James (Jack) Crawford finished ninth, while fellow Canadians Cameron Alexander, Jeffrey Read, and Brodie Seger placed 14th, 25th, and 28th.
Canadian athletes shine
Freestyle skiing success
Two talented Canadian women made their mark in the women’s freestyle ski slopestyle event. Megan Oldham and Naomi Urness secured their spots in the finals, qualifying seventh and eighth respectively. They will compete for medals in what promises to be an exciting showdown on Monday.
Snowboarding setbacks
In unfortunate news, two-time Olympic medalist Meryeta O’Dine has withdrawn from the snowboard cross competition after sustaining a fracture to her ankle during training. This setback is significant for Canada, as O’Dine previously won bronze in both the women’s snowboard cross and mixed team events at the Beijing 2026 Olympics. The Canadian Olympic Committee confirmed her injury, highlighting the unpredictable nature of competitive sports.
Mixed doubles curling and other competitions
Curling challenges
The Canadian mixed doubles curling team faced a tough match against Great Britain, ultimately losing 7-5. Despite a promising start with a 3-0 lead, the team could not maintain their advantage. Brett Gallant and Jocelyn Peterman will regroup and face Estonia in their next match, hoping to turn their fortunes around.
Broadcasting the games
For viewers back home in Canada, the games are accessible through CBC, CBC News Network, Sportsnet, and TSN. Those without subscriptions can still catch the action by downloading the free CBC Gem app, allowing for live or recorded viewing of the events.
As the days progress, the excitement of the Winter Olympics will continue to unfold, with athletes pushing their limits and competing for coveted medals. The journey has just begun, and as teams battle for supremacy, fans can expect more thrilling moments and inspiring stories from the athletes representing their nations.