From Disappointments and Debacles, to Dreams and Destiny
Team USA recovers from dramatic first-week letdowns to emotional victories and a record 33-medal performance at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
Gold medalists, Team United States, pose for a photo during the medal ceremony following the Men's Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, on Feb. 22, 2026. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
The United States fought through its share of disappointment and debacles at the Milan Cortina Games before a number of athletes realized their dreams and clutched gold medals with the power of destiny.
Sunday’s big finale in the men’s hockey gold-medal match played out a lot like an NHL All-Star Game, with playoff-level effort on both sides of the ice.
John E. Gibson
Author
John E. Gibson has covered pro baseball in Japan for about 20 years and brings great knowledge and insight across the sports spectrum. His experience includes stints at The Orange County Register, The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, The Redlands Daily Facts and The Yomiuri Shimbun’s English newspaper in Tokyo.
