Day 10 at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics proved to be a pivotal moment for Team Canada, with the nation's athletes delivering performances that will be remembered for years to come. The Canadian contingent added to its medal haul while securing a coveted spot in one of the most anticipated gold-medal matches of the Games.
In a thrilling women's hockey semifinal that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Canada emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Switzerland. The triumph sets up a classic showdown against the United States for the gold medal on Thursday, reigniting one of the fiercest rivalries in winter sports. The match showcased the skill and determination that has become synonymous with Canadian women's hockey, with the team demonstrating remarkable composure under pressure.
Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin continued her legacy as one of the game's greatest clutch performers, scoring a crucial goal in the second period that proved instrumental in securing the victory against Swiss goaltender Andrea Braendli. Poulin's leadership and scoring ability have been cornerstones of Canada's success in women's hockey for over a decade.
The heroics on the ice were matched by spectacular achievements in the freestyle skiing arena. Megan Oldham captured Canada's second gold medal of these Olympics with a stunning performance in the big air event. The 24-year-old from Parry Sound, Ontario, soared to victory with jumps that combined technical difficulty with flawless execution, finishing ahead of China's Eileen Gu and Italy's Flora Tabanelli.
Her triumph adds to the silver she had already claimed earlier in the Milan-Cortina Games, making her one of Canada's most decorated athletes at this year's competition. Oldham's victory was particularly sweet given her narrow miss on the podium in her signature event from Beijing 2022, where she holds the gold medal. Her redemption arc culminated in a performance that demonstrated her resilience and technical prowess.
The medal rush continued on the speed skating oval, where Courtney Sarault earned Canada's 10th medal of the 2026 Winter Games. Her contribution underscores the depth of talent across multiple disciplines and the consistent performance of Canadian speed skaters on the international stage.
These victories build upon earlier success at the Games, most notably Mikaël Kingsbury's gold medal in men's freestyle skiing dual moguls, which marked Canada's first gold of the Olympics. Kingsbury's mastery of the moguls course set the tone for what has become an increasingly successful Games for the Canadian delegation.
With these latest additions, Canada's medal count continues to climb. The nation's athletes have until February 22, when the Games conclude, to add to their tally across 116 events spanning 16 disciplines.
The performance at Milan Cortina draws comparisons to Canada's recent Olympic history. The country is coming off a record-breaking showing in Paris 2024, where Canadian athletes captured 27 medals—the highest total ever in a single non-boycotted Summer Games.
At the last Winter Games in Beijing 2022, Canada claimed 26 medals, though only four were gold. The current campaign at Milan Cortina appears poised to potentially surpass that performance, with the team already showing greater gold medal efficiency.
Canada's most successful Winter Olympics, excluding boycotted Games, remains the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, where the nation captured 29 medals, including 11 gold. The record for most gold medals belongs to the 2010 Vancouver Games, where Canada won 14 golds on home soil.
The current medal tally for Canada at Milan Cortina includes gold medals from Kingsbury and Oldham, multiple podium finishes, and a total of at least 10 medals by Day 10. This pace puts Canada in excellent position to challenge historical benchmarks.
Looking ahead, the women's hockey gold-medal match against the United States promises to be a highlight of the Games. The rivalry has produced some of the most memorable moments in Olympic history, and Thursday's final is expected to be no different.
Beyond hockey, Canadian athletes remain in contention across numerous events. The freestyle skiing team continues to be a strong medal threat, while speed skating, figure skating, snowboarding, and curling offer additional opportunities.
The success at Milan Cortina reflects the strength of Canada's winter sport development system. From grassroots programs in small towns to world-class training facilities, the infrastructure supporting these athletes has proven its effectiveness.
As the Games enter their final week, the pressure mounts but so do the opportunities. Each day brings new chances for Canadian athletes to etch their names into Olympic history and contribute to what could be one of the nation's most successful Winter Games performances.
The combination of established veterans like Poulin and emerging stars like Oldham creates a dynamic team capable of competing with the world's best. Their performances inspire the next generation of Canadian winter sport athletes while giving the nation moments of collective pride.
With the finish line in sight, Team Canada carries momentum, talent, and the hopes of a nation into the decisive final days of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The stage is set for what could be a historic conclusion to these Games for the red and white.