Day 7 at Milano Cortina 2026: Team Canada's Medal-Free Day That Was Anything But Ordinary
February 13, 2026
While Team Canada didn’t add any medals to their tally on Day 7, the day was far from uneventful. In fact, it was a day filled with thrilling performances, emotional farewells, and surprising twists that kept fans on the edge of their seats. From figure skating to hockey, cross-country skiing to speed skating, here’s a breakdown of the day’s highlights—and this is the part most people miss: the stories behind the scores that make these Games truly unforgettable.
Figure Skating: A Near-Miss That Left Us Breathless
The men’s singles event delivered a result no one saw coming. Stephen Gogolev, in his Olympic debut, executed a near-flawless free skate that earned him 186.37 points, catapulting him from 10th to 5th place overall with a total of 273.78 points. He finished just 1.12 points shy of the podium—Canada’s best Olympic result in men’s singles since Patrick Chan’s silver in Sochi 2014. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Gogolev’s performance undervalued by the judges? Some fans argue he deserved a higher score. What do you think?
Meanwhile, the shocker of the day came from two-time reigning world champion Ilia Malinin of the U.S., who plummeted from first place after the short program to eighth overall. What went wrong? And could this be a turning point in his career?
Hockey: Dominance on Display
Team Canada cemented their top spot in Group A with a commanding 5-1 win over Switzerland. Stars like Macklin Celebrini, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor McDavid led the charge with multi-point games, while goaltender Logan Thompson shone in his Olympic debut with 24 saves. But here’s the question: With such a stacked lineup, is Team Canada unbeatable, or are they due for a challenge as the tournament heats up?
Speed Skating: A Beautiful Goodbye
Ted-Jan Bloemen’s final race was a moment of pure emotion. Competing in the men’s 10,000m—the last event of his storied career—he finished ninth, then took a lap around the oval to bid a heartfelt farewell to the sport, his wife and children watching from the stands. It was a reminder that behind every athlete is a human story. What’s your take: Are these emotional moments what make the Olympics truly special, or should the focus remain solely on the competition?
Cross-Country Skiing: The Rise of Canada’s Young Guns
Canada’s young cross-country skiers continued to defy expectations. Tom Stephen, who had never cracked the top 20 in a World Cup event, finished ninth in the men’s 10km free with a time of 21:30.3. Rémi Drolet and Max Hollmann also impressed, placing 19th and 23rd, respectively. And this is the part most people miss: These athletes are not just competing—they’re rewriting Canada’s narrative in a sport traditionally dominated by European nations. Could this be the start of a new era?
Curling: A Mixed Bag for Team Canada
Team Jacobs remained undefeated with wins over the USA (6-3) and Sweden (8-6), showcasing their strategic brilliance. Meanwhile, Team Homan suffered a narrow 9-8 loss to the USA, ending their Olympic win streak. But here’s the question: Is this a minor setback for Homan’s team, or a sign of deeper challenges ahead?
Snowboard, Biathlon, and Skeleton: The Road Less Traveled
Audrey McManiman’s journey in women’s snowboard cross ended in the 1/8 finals, ranking her 17th overall. In biathlon, Adam Runnalls led the Canadian men with a 31st-place finish in the 10km sprint, qualifying for the pursuit alongside Zachary Connelly and Logan Pletz. In skeleton, Jane Channell and Hallie Clarke sit 15th and 20th, respectively, after the first two runs, with their final runs set for Saturday. What’s your take: Do these lesser-known sports deserve more attention, or are they rightfully overshadowed by higher-profile events?
Final Thoughts: A Day of Triumphs and Questions
Day 7 may not have added to Canada’s medal count, but it was a day of triumphs, surprises, and emotional moments that reminded us why we love the Olympics. But here’s the controversial part: As we celebrate these athletes, are we doing enough to support them beyond the Games? Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts in the comments below!
