The Winter Olympics 2026 has been a rollercoaster of emotions and controversies, with injured athletes returning home and a heated debate over judging decisions. Let's dive into the latest updates from day seven!
The Ice Dance Controversy: A Question of Fairness
In one of the most talked-about moments of the Games, France claimed the ice dance gold, but the victory sparked a fierce debate. With an overall score of 225.82, Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron narrowly beat the American duo, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who scored 224.39.
The French win was largely influenced by judge Jezabel Dabouis, a fellow French national. Despite the Americans' impressive performance and the French team's less-than-perfect routine, Dabouis favored her countrymen by a significant margin of almost eight points.
Without Dabouis's score, the US figure skaters would have taken the top spot, as five out of the nine judges favored the Americans. This has led to a petition signed by over 10,000 people, urging the International Skating Union (ISU) and the International Olympic Committee to investigate the result.
But here's where it gets controversial: the ISU has dismissed any allegations of dishonesty, stating they have "full confidence in the scores given" and are "committed to fairness." They explained that varying scores from different judges are normal and that mechanisms are in place to mitigate these differences.
Injured Aussies: A Tough Road Home
While the Aussie team continues to cheer on Josie Baff and Cooper Woods, two of their teammates face a different reality. Australian officials confirmed that Daisy Thomas, a freeski big air competitor, had to make the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition.
Thomas suffered a ruptured ACL last November during a competition, but after intense rehabilitation and mental preparation, she made a comeback to the World Cup circuit and was selected for her Olympic debut. Unfortunately, an awkward landing during slopestyle training this month left her unable to complete the official training session, leading to her withdrawal.
Additionally, Aussie snowboarder Cam Bolton is returning to Melbourne after a neck injury sustained at the Games. Bolton was airlifted to a hospital, and after scans and assessment in Milan, it was decided that the safest course of action was to return home for further treatment.
A Ukrainian Athlete's Appeal: Honour and Remembrance
In a heart-wrenching story, Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Milano Cortina Games for wearing a helmet depicting Ukrainian athletes killed during Russia's invasion. Heraskevych's team appealed the decision, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed the case.
Heraskevych expressed his disappointment, stating, "CAS has failed us. We will consider our next steps." In a show of support, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded Heraskevych the Order of Freedom, emphasizing that the helmet was a symbol of honour and remembrance. Zelenskyy wrote, "Sport shouldn't mean amnesia... Unfortunately, the decision to disqualify Heraskevych says otherwise."
Biathlon Bronze and a Scandalous Confession
Norwegian biathlete Sturla Laegreid has become a headline-maker at these Games, but not just for his athletic prowess. After winning bronze in the 20km individual race, Laegreid made a shocking confession during his post-race interview, admitting to an affair.
Three days later, he won another bronze in the men's sprint biathlon race, but this time, he kept his personal life out of the spotlight. Laegreid is expected to medal in the pursuit, mass start, and relay later in the Games, and it seems he's learned from the fallout of his first confession.
His ex-girlfriend shared her response, stating that the cheating was "hard to forgive, even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world."
Norway's Klaebo Ties for Gold Record
Norway's cross-country skiing star, Johannes Hosflot Klaebo, has achieved an incredible feat, winning his eighth Olympic gold medal (third at these Games) and tying the all-time Winter Games record. His latest victory was in the men's 10km interval start free.
Klaebo now shares the record with his retired countrymen: Marit Bjoergen and Bjoern Daehlie in cross-country skiing, and Ole Einar Bjoerndalen in the biathlon. With three races still to come, there's a good chance he'll overtake them and claim the record for himself.
The Winter Olympics 2026 continues to deliver thrilling moments and unexpected twists. Stay tuned for more updates as the Games unfold!
