Top Highlights to Watch at Milan Cortina Games on Sunday, Feb. 8
The upcoming events at the Milan Cortina Olympics on Sunday, February 8, promise excitement across various sports. Here are the top highlights to watch during the day.
Curling Showdown: Must-Win Situations
In mixed doubles curling, Team Canada faces a critical challenge. Brett Gallant and Jocelyn Peterman, hailing from Chestermere, Alberta, must secure victories against Sweden and South Korea. Currently, they have a record of 3-3 after a tough weekend, where they suffered two losses—7-5 to Britain and 8-6 to Estonia.
The couple now finds themselves tied for fifth place in the standings. Only the top four teams will advance to the medal round. With only three preliminary games remaining, time is running out for Gallant and Peterman to improve their standing.
Figure Skating Medals to be Awarded
Figure skating excitement peaks with the conclusion of the team competition. The first medals of the Games will be awarded after the final three events. Canadian skaters will shine, featuring:
- Trennt Michaud of Trenton, Ont., and Lia Pereira of Milton, Ont., competing in the free pairs.
- Madeline Schizas from Oakville, Ont., in the women’s free program.
- Stephen Gogolev of Toronto, closing the event with the men’s free skate.
Last time out, Canada secured fourth place in this event at the 2022 Beijing Games.
Speedskating Show of Endurance
Speedskating heats up with the men’s 5,000 metres event, one of the endurance highlights of the Games. Athletes will tackle 12.5 laps around a 400-metre oval at the Speed Skating Stadium in Rho, located northwest of Milan. Ted-Jan Bloemen from Canada stands out as a key competitor. He previously won the silver medal in the same event during the 2018 Pyeongchang Games.
Snowboarding Events Kick Off
Kaylie Buck, representing Oakville, Ont., returns to the site where she clinched her first World Cup medal. The parallel slalom snowboard events will commence, with Buck competing in the qualifying rounds. She secured silver at a World Cup event in December at the Olympic venue in Livigno.
Additionally, Arnaud Gaudet from Montcalm, Quebec, will compete in the men’s event, fresh off winning silver at a recent World Cup in Bulgaria.
A Comeback for the Ages
Lindsey Vonn, the celebrated American skiing icon, is set to return to competition in the women’s downhill event. Just over a week after suffering a significant knee injury, Vonn demonstrated remarkable resilience by finishing third in Saturday’s training, trailing teammate Breezy Johnson by 0.37 seconds.
The 41-year-old holds the record for the most World Cup victories in Cortina, boasting 12 wins. Her return to the slopes follows a nearly six-year break from ski racing.
As the Milan Cortina Games unfold, viewers can expect thrilling competitions and inspiring stories from athletes across various sports.
