The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are just around the corner, and several nations are gearing up for the highly anticipated event. Team Great Britain’s Bruce Mouat is seeking Olympic gold. But can Mouat and his team take home the gold?
Key Takeaways
- Swiss alpine skier Marco Odermatt is the clear favorite in the men’s super-G, coming off a dominant 2025 season where he finished nearly 300 points ahead of his nearest competitor in the World Cup rankings.
- The return of NHL players to the Olympics for the first time since 2014 will significantly elevate the level of competition in men’s ice hockey, promising star-studded rosters and intense matchups.
- Great Britain’s Bruce Mouat is aiming to add an Olympic title to his impressive 2024-25 season, where his team became the first ever to win four Grand Slam events in one season.
- In Ice Dance, Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson of Great Britain are hoping to become the first British figure skaters since Torvill and Dean in 1994 to earn an Olympic medal.
Can Marco Odermatt Continue His Dominance on the Olympic Stage?
Marco Odermatt is entering the 2026 Winter Olympics as the skier to beat in the men’s super-G. His performance in the 2025 season was nothing short of spectacular, as he dominated the World Cup rankings. Odermatt’s commanding lead of almost 300 points over Vincent Kriechmayr [https://www.fis-ski.com/en/alpine-skiing/alpine-world-cup] demonstrates his consistency and skill. He also clinched the World Championship title in February, solidifying his status as a top contender. “Odermatt’s technical skills combined with his mental fortitude make him a formidable opponent,” said veteran ski analyst Bernhard Russi on Swiss TV. “He knows how to perform under pressure.”
However, the Olympics have a history of producing unexpected results. Ryan Cochran-Siegle’s silver medal in Beijing [https://olympics.com/en/news/ryan-cochran-siegle-analysis-beijing-2022-olympic-winter-games] four years ago serves as a reminder that anything can happen. While Cochran-Siegle may not be a medal favorite in Milan, his past success on Italian snow suggests he could be a dark horse to watch. Despite the unpredictability, Odermatt’s current form and confidence make him the favorite to win gold. According to DraftKings, Odermatt is currently listed at +150 to win gold in the Super-G.
Will the Return of NHL Players Change the Ice Hockey Landscape?
The men’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics will be particularly exciting due to the return of NHL players [https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-players-olympics-agreement-faq/c-326611378] for the first time since 2014. This infusion of world-class talent will undoubtedly raise the level of competition. The opening game between Finland and Slovakia, the 2022 gold [https://www.espn.com/olympics/icehockey/story/_/id/33262045/finland-wins-men-ice-hockey-gold-first-olympics] and bronze medallists respectively, is a highly anticipated clash that sets the stage for the rest of the tournament.
Both Finland and Slovakia will be aiming to secure the top spot in Group B to advance directly to the quarter-finals, avoiding the extra match in the play-off round. “The return of NHL players changes everything,” said ESPN hockey analyst Kevin Weekes. “The rosters are going to be stacked, and the games will be intense. Expect a lot of upsets.” This year, Canada currently stands as the betting favorite to win gold at +200, with the United States and Finland close behind at +350 and +400, respectively. The depth and skill level of the competing teams promise a thrilling tournament for hockey fans worldwide.
Players/Teams Mentioned
- Marco Odermatt: FIS Profile. The Swiss alpine skier is 26 years old and is the reigning World Cup champion in super-G. He finished the 2024 season with 1947 points, 647 points ahead of the next closest competitor.
- Ryan Cochran-Siegle: Team USA Profile. The American alpine skier is 32 years old and won a silver medal in the super-G at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. He has 2 World Cup podium finishes.
- Bruce Mouat: World Curling Federation Profile. The Scottish curler, age 29, skipped Great Britain to a silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Mouat’s team also won the 2023 World Men’s Curling Championship.
- Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson: Team GB Profile. The British ice dancers won bronze at the 2024 World Championships and are aiming for a podium finish at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Fear is 25, and Gibson is 29.
What This Means
- For Alpine Skiing Fans: Keep an eye on Marco Odermatt’s performance in the super-G, as his dominance in the 2025 season suggests he is a strong contender for gold. However, remember that upsets are common, so don’t count out athletes like Ryan Cochran-Siegle.
- For Ice Hockey Enthusiasts: With NHL players back in the mix, expect a highly competitive tournament. Canada is favored to win gold at +200, but teams like the United States and Finland could also challenge for the title.
- For Curling Fans: Bruce Mouat and his team have a strong chance of winning gold after their impressive 2024-25 season. Their experience and recent success make them a team to watch in the men’s curling event.
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Source: www.bbc.com
