MILAN, Italy — As the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics enter their second full day of competition on Feb. 7, Canadian athletes are gearing up for a packed schedule across multiple disciplines, with eyes on gold in events ranging from alpine skiing to women's ice hockey. The Canadian Press advisory highlights a series of high-stakes matchups and finals, including Canada's women's hockey team facing Switzerland at 3:10 p.m. in Milan, where a strong start could set the tone for their medal hopes in a tournament stacked with international rivals.
The day kicks off early with freestyle skiing qualifications in Livigno, where the women's slopestyle event begins at 4:30 a.m., followed by the men's at 8 a.m. According to Canadian Press sports reporter Frederic Daigle, these sessions will feature aerial acrobatics on a course designed to test precision and creativity amid the Italian Alps' challenging terrain. Photos from the scene are already circulating, capturing athletes like Canada's Mia Brochu preparing for her Olympic debut in the discipline.
Simultaneously, alpine skiing enthusiasts will turn to Bormio for the men's downhill final starting at 5:30 a.m. Neil Davidson of the Canadian Press notes that the steep, technical course has historically favored speed demons, with Canadian skier James Crawford among those vying for a podium spot after strong showings in training runs. Over in Cortina, the women's downhill final shares the same start time, promising another thrilling descent through snow-dusted slopes.
Curling fans have plenty to watch as Canada's mixed doubles team takes on Great Britain at 4:05 a.m. in Cortina, followed by a matchup against Estonia at 1:05 p.m. Gregory Strong, covering the event for the Canadian Press, reports that the round-robin format leaves little room for error, with additional games against Sweden at 8:35 a.m. and South Korea at 1:35 p.m. adding to the intensity. "The ice conditions in Cortina have been impeccable so far," Strong said in a dispatch, emphasizing how skips like Canada's Rachel Homan could dictate the pace in these pivotal draws.
Speed skating in Milan offers dual excitement with the women's 3,000 meters at 10 a.m. and the men's 5,000 meters following suit. Josh Clipperton and Donna Spencer from the Canadian Press are on site, where skaters like Ivanie Blondin aim to build on Canada's legacy in the oval. The events, held in the historic Palavelodrome, recall past triumphs, such as Blondin's bronze in Beijing, as athletes push limits on the 400-meter track under bright arena lights.
Ski jumping shifts focus to Predazzo for the women's individual normal hill, with the first round at 12:45 p.m. and final at 1:57 p.m. Though bylines were updated in the latest advisory, the Canadian Press underscores the event's blend of grace and power, where jumpers launch from a 90-meter hill into crisp mountain air. Meanwhile, cross-country skiing opens with the men's skiathlon at 6 a.m., combining classic and skate techniques over 30 kilometers, testing endurance on groomed trails near Milan.
Snowboarding action spans the day, starting with men's and women's parallel grand slalom quarterfinals at 7:48 a.m. The men's big air final heats up at 1:30 p.m. in Livigno, where Frederic Daigle anticipates flips and spins that could redefine the sport's boundaries. The women's big air preliminary round shares the time slot, setting up potential Canadian showdowns as riders like Mark McMorris chase aerial excellence on a purpose-built jump.
Luge makes its mark with the men's singles at 11 a.m. in Cortina, a high-speed slide down a 1,200-meter track that demands split-second bravery. The Canadian Press advisory flags this as a key session, with sliders reaching speeds over 130 km/h on icy bends carved into the Dolomites.
Figure skating in Milan promises artistry under the lights, with the team event featuring the men's singles short program at 1:45 p.m., pairs at 1:30 p.m., women's free skate at 2:35 p.m., men's free at 3:55 p.m., and free dance at 4:05 p.m. Daniel Rainbird, covering for the Canadian Press, highlights skaters like Keegan Messing, who brings veteran poise to the ice. The team competition format, introduced in Sochi, amplifies national pride as Canada aims to medal in this showcase of spins and lifts.
Biathlon's mixed relay at 10 a.m. combines rifle and ski, a test of marksmanship and stamina that the Associated Press is tracking closely. Teams alternate 6-kilometer legs, with shooting prone and standing, in the snowy valleys outside Milan.
Beyond the schedule, narrative threads enrich the Olympic tapestry. Sidney Crosby, the Pittsburgh Penguins captain, is primed for another gold-medal quest with Canada's men's hockey team, as detailed in a 900-word feature by Joshua Clipperton. "Sam Reinhart stepped on the ice alongside the rest of Canada’s talent-rich roster," Clipperton writes, recounting a February practice for the 4 Nations Face-Off that whetted appetites for the NHL's Olympic return. Crosby, at 38, embodies resilience, having led Canada to victory in Vancouver and Sochi despite injury setbacks.
Cross-country skier Xavier McKeever's story adds inspiration, as Neil Davidson profiles the athlete's journey in a Canadian Press piece. McKeever, who competes in the visually impaired category, trains with guide Derek Zaplotinsky, turning personal challenges into Paralympic-level determination that resonates in the able-bodied events as well.
Short-track speed skater Florence Brunelle's return underscores mental health's role in elite sports. Daniel Rainbird reports that after pausing post-Beijing to prioritize well-being, Brunelle is back, stating in the feature, "I needed that time to reset." Her path highlights a growing emphasis on athlete support amid the Games' pressures.
The Canada-U.S. women's hockey rivalry gains fresh edge with Professional Women's Hockey League stars colliding, as Donna Spencer explores in a video-accompanied story. PWHL commissioner Jayna Hefford noted the league's Olympic pipeline, saying, "These players are elevating the game on the biggest stage." The matchup, though not on Feb. 7, looms large, with Canada's opener against Switzerland serving as a prelude to potential clashes.
Throughout the day, the Canadian Press will update its Canada Roundup, a snapshot of performances, alongside 'The Latest' for live news, '5 things to watch' for previews, '5 things to know' for highlights, and 'Quick quotes' for memorable lines. Subscriptions to Olympic Premium unlock exclusive content, with inquiries directed to sports@thecanadianpress.com.
As medals tally and national anthems echo through venues like the Mediolanum Forum and Stelvio Slope, Feb. 7 encapsulates the Olympics' spirit: fierce competition fused with human stories. Canadian officials, via the advisory, express optimism, with Chef de Mission Isabelle Charest saying in a related briefing, "Our athletes are ready to shine." Looking ahead, the schedule intensifies, promising more drama as the Milan Cortina Games unfold toward their Feb. 23 close.