Winter Olympics Day 5: France shocks USA, Stolz blazes to Gold, NHL stars storm back

The ice is sizzling and the medal table is heating up at the 2026 Winter Olympics – and Day 5 delivered pure adrenaline from start to finish.

FRANCE STUNS IN ICE DANCE THRILLER

In one of the biggest upsets of the Games, France’s dazzling duo Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron skated into history, capturing gold in ice dance and edging out Team USA in a nail-biting finale.

American favorites Madison Chock and Evan Bates brought the house down with a fiery free dance set to “Paint It Black,” briefly taking the lead and igniting gold-medal hopes. But France answered in style, sealing the top step of the podium and pushing the US to silver. Canada rounded out the medals with bronze.

STOLZ SETS THE ICE ON FIRE

Speed skating sensation Jordan Stolz delivered a jaw-dropping performance in the men’s 1000m, storming to gold and smashing the Olympic record in the process. It was a masterclass in power and precision – and another golden moment for Team USA.

ITALY OWNS THE LUGE TRACK

Italy turned the sliding center into a celebration zone, sweeping gold in both men’s and women’s doubles luge. Andrea Voetter and Marion Oberhofer made history by winning the first-ever women’s doubles luge gold, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

USA GOES 1-2 IN MOGULS

Team USA dominated the moguls course with a stunning one-two punch. Elizabeth Lemley soared to gold, while teammate Jaelin Kauf carved out silver to complete an American showcase on the podium.

CHLOE KIM CRUISES, TEEN PHENOM ADVANCES

Snowboard superstar Chloe Kim topped the women’s halfpipe qualification with trademark swagger, while 17-year-old Alessandro Barbieri powered into the men’s final alongside two other Americans, keeping US medal hopes sky-high.

NORWAY SETS THE PACE

Norway continues to lead the gold rush with seven gold medals, while the US and Italy chase with four apiece. Norway and Italy are tied for total medals, each stacking up an impressive 13 as the competition intensifies.

NHL STARS MAKE LONG-AWAITED RETURN

In a major storyline, NHL players are back on Olympic ice for the first time in 12 years. Every one of the league’s 32 teams has at least one representative competing, adding star power and edge to an already electric tournament.

Day 5 had everything – upsets, records, redemption, and raw emotion. And with plenty of medals still up for grabs, the Games are only getting louder, faster, and more unforgettable.