The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics have delivered a whirlwind of unforgettable moments, and as the Games move into their second week, the spotlight shines brightly on the ice. Figure skating, always a crowd favorite, has taken center stage in Milan, thrilling fans worldwide with gravity-defying jumps, emotional routines, and fierce rivalries. With the free dance final set for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the iconic Milano Ice Skating Arena, anticipation is at fever pitch. The event, airing live on USA Network at 1:30 p.m. ET and continuing on NBC at 2:15 p.m. ET, promises an electrifying showdown among the sport’s elite.
This year’s figure skating program has already seen its share of history-making performances. Team USA’s Ilia Malinin, dubbed the “Quad God,” stunned the crowd in the men’s singles short program, delivering his signature quadruple jumps and a trademark backflip. Malinin’s score of 108.16 rocketed him to the top of the leaderboard, setting the stage for a dramatic free skate later this week. As CNN Sports described, “There is something a bit different about watching Ilia Malinin on the ice. Maybe it’s because everyone knows how good the Team USA star is that the atmosphere changes a bit, everyone pays a bit more attention and reacts a bit louder when he lands one of his stunning skills.”
But Malinin wasn’t the only skater to leave a mark. Maxim Naumov, another American, delivered a deeply moving routine in the men’s singles, dedicating his performance to his parents, who passed away a year ago. His emotional skate resonated with fans and fellow competitors alike, underscoring the personal stories that make the Olympics so compelling. Ukraine’s Kyrylo Marsak also drew attention, dedicating his routine to his father on the frontlines—a poignant reminder of the world beyond the rink.
The free dance final, a highlight of the figure skating calendar, features a trio of pairs who have become household names, especially after being profiled in Netflix’s hit docu-series Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing. Team USA’s Madison Chock and Evan Bates, the married duo and reigning world champions, are back on Olympic ice after their gold medal in the team event at Beijing 2022 and a repeat team gold in Milan. Joining them are France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron, as well as Canada’s Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier. Each pair brings a unique style and narrative, making this year’s competition as unpredictable as it is captivating.
For those eager to catch every moment, streaming options abound. Peacock offers comprehensive live coverage of the Winter Olympics, including all figure skating events. Subscriptions start at $11 per month for the ad-supported plan, with an ad-free option at $17. Walmart+ members enjoy an extra perk: Peacock access is included in their membership at no additional cost. DirecTV’s Entertainment tier, priced at $89.99 per month with a five-day free trial, also carries NBC and USA channels, ensuring fans won’t miss a second of the action. Sling TV’s Blue plan, at $50 per month, provides local NBC and USA coverage, though channel availability varies by region.
International viewers have plenty of ways to tune in as well. In Canada, CBC hosts Olympic coverage with free streaming via CBC Gem. The UK offers BBC and TNT Sports coverage, streaming on BBC iPlayer and Discovery Plus, with Discovery Plus plans starting at £4 per month. Australian fans can catch the Games on Nine and 9Now for free, with full coverage available through a Stan Sport subscription at $32 per month. For those traveling or living abroad, VPNs like NordVPN can help maintain access to home-country streams—though users should be aware of local laws and streaming service terms.
As the Olympics unfold, Team USA has already made waves beyond the figure skating rink. Over the weekend, the Americans clinched gold in the team figure skating event, outpacing Japan (silver) and Italy (bronze). Meanwhile, in mixed doubles curling, Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse secured a dramatic silver medal, with Thiesse making history as the first American woman to medal in Olympic curling. Sweden edged out the US for gold in a nail-biting finish.
Women’s ice hockey fans witnessed a seismic shift in the storied rivalry between the United States and Canada. In a preliminary round showdown, Team USA dominated their northern neighbors 5-0, marking Canada’s first-ever Olympic shutout in 41 games. American goalie Aerin Frankel was near-impenetrable, recording 20 saves. Four of the five goals came from Olympic rookies Kirsten Simms, Laila Edwards, and Hannah Bilka, with Bilka netting two and Edwards scoring her first Olympic goal. Team captain Hilary Knight’s assist tied her for most career points in US Olympic women’s hockey history. Canada, notably, played without their captain and star, Marie-Philip Poulin, who was sidelined with a lower-body injury. “They give us their best game always and they come out relentless. So having a game plan and an attack to counter that – it’s hard – but they are our rivals for a reason and we love playing them,” Caroline Harvey told NBC during intermission.
Elsewhere in Milan, the Olympic spirit was on full display. Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych made headlines by defying the International Olympic Committee’s guidelines, wearing a helmet adorned with images honoring athletes killed during the war in Ukraine. “I wear this helmet two days ago, yesterday, today. I will wear it tomorrow and I will wear it for the race day. These people sacrificed their lives and because of that, I am able to be here today. I’m able to be at the Olympics and I will not betray them,” Heraskevych told CNN’s Amanda Davies.
Looking ahead, the Olympic figure skating schedule remains packed. After Wednesday’s free dance final, fans can look forward to the men’s free skate on Friday, pairs events over the weekend, and the much-anticipated women’s short and free programs next week. The Exhibition Gala on Saturday, February 21, will cap off the skating festivities, offering a celebration of artistry and athleticism.
With so much action on and off the ice, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are shaping up to be a Games for the ages. Whether you’re a seasoned skating enthusiast or a newcomer drawn in by the drama and spectacle, there’s no shortage of inspiring stories and breathtaking moments. As the world watches, the athletes continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible—one leap, spin, and goal at a time.