The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics continued with another day of thrilling action, as athletes pushed the limits and etched their names in the history books. From a stunning comeback in figure skating to a new speed record in luge, Day 7 had it all.
Ilia Malinin Lands Quad Axel, Wins Men's Figure Skating
The buzz around 18-year-old American figure skater Ilia Malinin has been building all Games, and on Day 7 he delivered in a big way. Malinin landed the incredibly difficult quad axel jump - a 4.5 rotation jump that no one had successfully completed in Olympic competition before. His historic performance earned him the gold medal and cemented his status as the new face of men's figure skating.
Skeleton Disqualification Sparks Controversy
The day was not without its controversies, however. Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified by the International Olympic Committee for continuing to wear a helmet that honored fallen Ukrainian athletes since the Russian invasion. The decision drew swift backlash, with NPR reporting that it "sparked outrage" and accusations of the IOC being "complicit in the silencing of Ukraine."
Lindsey Vonn's Comeback Bid Falls Short
In one of the day's more emotional storylines, American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn made a surprise return to the Olympics in a bid for one final gold medal. Vonn, who had retired after the 2018 Games, put together an inspired performance in the women's downhill, but ultimately fell short, finishing off the podium. ESPN reported that Vonn "fought back tears" after the race, but remained proud of her effort.
What this day really underscores is the incredible resilience and determination of these Olympic athletes. From record-breaking feats to heartbreaking defeats, Day 7 in Milan Cortina had it all. As the Games enter the homestretch, the world is witnessing sports history in the making.