From the sports desk: An epic finale awaits

American speedskater Jordan Stolz and Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo were among the standout athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy on February 21, 2026, as the Games approached their dramatic conclusion with the highly anticipated men's hockey gold-medal showdown between the U.S. and Canada scheduled for the following day. Stolz narrowly missed making history by failing to secure three gold medals in a single Games, while Klaebo achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the most decorated athlete in Winter Olympic history with his sixth gold medal. The final day of competition featured intense battles across multiple sports, setting the stage for what promises to be an epic finale in the men's hockey final. In a thrilling mass start speedskating event, 21-year-old American Jordan Stolz from Wisconsin came agonizingly close to becoming the first American long-track speedskater in over three decades to win three gold medals at a single Olympics. However, Stolz found himself caught in a pack as Dutch speedskater Jorrit Bergsma and Denmark's Viktor Hald Thorup built a substantial lead. Despite making a late surge, Stolz finished fourth, while Bergsma claimed victory by such a wide margin that he encouraged the crowd to cheer as he crossed the finish line. Stolz, who leaves the Olympics with three medals (two gold and one silver), remained philosophical about his performance, stating, "Pretty good — I'm happy with it, yeah," with a laugh. Meanwhile, Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo etched his name in the record books by winning his sixth gold medal at a single Winter Olympics, surpassing American speedskater Eric Heiden's previous record set in 1980. Klaebo's victory in the 50-kilometer mass start race also helped Norway secure the most gold medals (18) by any country at a single Winter Olympics. The Olympic competition also saw significant developments in curling, with Canada defeating Great Britain to claim the men's curling gold medal, despite facing accusations of cheating throughout their Olympic run. In the women's curling bronze-medal match, Canada also triumphed over the United States. In men's hockey action, Finland secured the bronze medal with a dominant 6-1 victory over Slovakia. As the Games neared their conclusion, all attention turned to the much-anticipated men's hockey gold-medal game between the United States and Canada. This rivalry has intensified amid political tensions between the two nations, with Canada historically holding the advantage in Olympic hockey, having defeated the U.S. in gold-medal games in 2002 and 2010. The U.S. team, seeking their first gold since the legendary "Miracle on Ice" victory in 1980, will be motivated by revenge after Canada's 3-2 overtime win in the recent 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.