The atmosphere in Milano Cortina is electric as the 2026 Winter Olympics enters its fourth full day of competition on Tuesday, Feb. 10. After a thrilling opening weekend that saw Team USA defend its figure skating team gold, the spotlight now shifts to the highly anticipated debut of alpine superstar Mikaela Shiffrin. As the games heat up, fans are also bracing for one of the most storied rivalries in sports history: the preliminary round showdown between the USA and Canada women's hockey teams. With figure skating prodigy Ilia Malinin also set to take the ice for his individual short program, Day 4 promises to be a pivotal moment in the medal race.

Mikaela Shiffrin's Quest for Redemption Begins

All eyes are on the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre as Mikaela Shiffrin makes her first appearance of the 2026 Games in the Women’s Team Combined event. For Shiffrin, this race represents more than just a medal opportunity; it is the beginning of a potential redemption arc following a challenging campaign in Beijing four years ago. Now 30, the winningest skier in World Cup history enters the competition with renewed focus and a trimmed schedule designed to maximize her performance in her signature technical events.

Shiffrin, partnering with teammate Breezy Johnson, will look to set the tone early. The Team Combined event, which pairs a downhill run with a slalom run, plays to Shiffrin's immense versatility. After sitting out the early speed events to fine-tune her technique, the American legend is eager to banish the ghosts of 2022 and add to her tally of three Olympic medals. "I think that narrowed focus has helped her stay on point," noted U.S. head coach Paul Kristofic, emphasizing that Shiffrin is physically and mentally primed for the challenge.

Clash of Titans: USA vs. Canada Women's Hockey

The intensity at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena will reach a fever pitch tonight as the United States and Canada renew their fierce rivalry. Both teams enter this Group A finale undefeated, setting the stage for a psychological battle ahead of the knockout rounds. Team USA has looked imperious so far, coming off a dominant 5-0 victory over Switzerland on Monday, where Gwyneth Philips earned a shutout in her Olympic debut and captain Hilary Knight inched closer to the all-time U.S. points record.

Stakes High for Group Supremacy

While both nations have already secured their quarterfinal spots, bragging rights and seeding are on the line. Canada, the defending Olympic champions, also enter the game in fine form after defeating Czechia 5-1, though concerns linger over the status of captain Marie-Philip Poulin, who left the previous game with an injury. For Team USA, the objective is clear: maintain their offensive rhythm and defensive solidity. The Americans have outscored opponents 15-1 in their first three games, but they know that against Canada, every shift matters. "That will be the true test of just how good this U.S. team is," analysts noted ahead of the face-off.

Ilia Malinin Takes Center Stage

Fresh off leading the United States to a gold medal in the Team Event on Sunday, Ilia Malinin returns to the ice for the Men’s Single Skating Short Program. The 21-year-old "Quad God" was instrumental in the team victory, landing five quadruple jumps in his free skate to break a tie with Japan and secure the top spot on the podium. Now, the focus shifts to his individual pursuit of Olympic glory.

Malinin enters the short program as a heavy favorite, but the pressure of individual competition is a different beast. His technical arsenal is unmatched—he is the only skater in history to land a quadruple Axel in competition—but he will need a clean, artistic performance to distance himself from rivals like Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama. A strong showing on Tuesday would position Malinin perfectly for the free skate later this week, where his jumping ability could make him untouchable.

Medal Count and Global Standings

As of Tuesday morning, the medal table reflects the fierce competition across the disciplines. Italy, buoyed by the home crowd, has surged to the top of the standings with 9 total medals, including a historic speed skating gold from Francesca Lollobrigida. Norway remains a powerhouse, sitting close behind with 6 medals, while Team USA holds steady with 2 gold medals, looking to climb the ranks with today's events.

Day 4 is shaping up to be a defining chapter of the Milano Cortina Games. From the slopes of the Dolomites to the ice of Milan, the world's best athletes are ready to write history.