Olympics
Over the past two weeks, the world’s best winter sports athletes competed in the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina Olympics in Italy, each putting their years of training to use to try to win an Olympic medal. Oftentimes, it is the competitions, medalists, and rivalry that take center stage at the Olympics. But these Games felt a little different.
Milano Cortina was full of heartwarming, inspiring moments that captured the hearts of spectators around the world. From teammate camaraderie to sharing moments with opposing competitors, here are some of the most heartwarming moments from the 2026 Olympics.
Team USA Men’s Hockey Honors Johnny Gaudreau
On August 29, 2024, the hockey community lost Johnny Gaudreau, one of the most beloved NHL players and a star on the ice. Throughout the Olympics, Team USA’s men’s hockey team kept Gaudreau close to their hearts, bringing his jersey to every game and celebrating as if he were right there with them.
After winning the gold medal in an overtime victory against Canada, Team USA’s Zach Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carried Gaudreau’s jersey around the ice. With Gaudreau’s wife and two oldest children in attendance, Team USA brought the two children, Johnny Jr. and Noa, onto the ice. The team spent time taking team photos with Gaudreau’s kids, a testament to the impact he had on the hockey community and the world as a whole.
This moment displayed the unity that exists within the hockey community, and made for a touching moment that will live forever in Olympic and hockey history.
Team USA’s Alysa Li Hugs Japan’s Ami Nakai After Podium Placement
Team USA figure skater Alysa Liu became hugely popular during the Games. With her signature striped hair and extroverted personality, the 20-year-old California native was one of the most popular athletes at the Games, and her moment with Japanese figure skater Ami Nakai was one of the most heartwarming.
Liu was in gold medal position following her program in the women’s singles event, with only Nakai left to go. Following Nakai’s run, both skaters anxiously awaited their scores. When the scores finally came in, Liu had taken the gold, and Nakai had taken the bronze.
Immediately, Liu went over to Nakai, and the emotional celebration began. With Nakai jumping up and down in celebration, Liu embraced her in a hug that was seen around the world. They then began celebrating together, with the weight of their accomplishments seemingly setting in.
The hug seen around the world was one of the Games’ most viral moments, and is sure to be one remembered for years.Â
Australian Snowboarder Valentino Guseli’s Big Air Moment
Australian snowboarder Valentino Guseli had gone into the Milano Cortina Olympics having only qualified for the men’s snowboard halfpipe. That proved to be short-lived when men’s snowboard big air needed an alternate to compete, and Guseli got the call just hours before the qualifying round.Â
Despite the late call and little practice on the jump, Guseli became the story of the qualifiers. He put down two incredible runs, propelling him to qualify for the finals.
After his second run, Guseli was carried on the shoulders of fellow snowboarder Jonas Hasler in a moment of celebration for his amazing short-notice performance.
The Men’s Dual Moguls Dad Podium
The men’s dual moguls event finished in an uplifting fashion, with Canada’s Mikael Kingsbury taking gold, followed by Japan’s Ikuma Horishima with silver, and Australia’s Matt Graham rounding out the bronze. What made this podium special is who each podium athlete is outside of competition.
All three medalists are fathers, making the men’s dual moguls finish with the remarkable ‘dad podium.’ All three of the skiers have young children and were able to share the moment with their families, making the ‘dad podium’ a moment of love and tenderness.
Team USA’s Breezy Johnson Takes Gold
American downhill skier Breezy Johnson did not have an easy path to the Olympics. Johnson has suffered countless injuries throughout her career, including MCL tears, ACL tears, tibial fractures, and many others. Despite setbacks, Johnson had her eyes set on gold in 2026.
Johnson would achieve her dream of Olympic gold, flying down the Cortina track and finishing with a time of 1:36:10. Johnson became the second American woman to win gold in downhill, joining legendary Lindsey Vonn.
These 2026 Olympic Games were defined by heartwarming moments that were seen around the globe. Displays of sportsmanship, fellowship, and enthusiasm for competition made the 2026 Games special.
As the Games have concluded after two weeks, these winter athletes now look towards 2030, where they look to compete in the next Winter Olympics in the French Alps.Â
