Olympia Highlights Today: Germany Eyes Gold in Biathlon and Skeleton
MILAN, 13 February 2026 – The first week of the XXV Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo reaches a fever pitch today. As the competition enters its seventh official day, Team Germany finds itself in a prime position to expand its medal haul, particularly in the sliding and endurance disciplines. Following a week of historic breakthroughs and unexpected podium finishes, the focus today shifts to the Anterselva Biathlon Arena and the icy tracks of Cortina.
Key Events and Medal Decisions Today
Friday’s schedule is packed with high-stakes finals. German fans are looking closely at the following events where national athletes are considered top contenders:
Biathlon: Men’s 10 km Sprint
Starting at 14:00 local time, the world’s elite biathletes will descend upon the Anterselva Biathlon Arena. After a week of mixed results for the German shooting squad, the sprint offers a fresh opportunity for a podium finish. The high altitude of Anterselva remains a critical factor for the athletes’ stamina and precision.
Skeleton: Men’s Final Heats
The drama continues at the sliding centre where German hopes rest on Axel Jungk and Christopher Grotheer. Following the first two heats, Jungk and Grotheer (the defending champion from Beijing) are currently sitting in second and third place respectively. The final runs today will determine if they can overtake the leaders to secure Germany’s dominance in the sliding sports.
Speed Skating: Men’s 10,000m
At 16:00, the Milano Speed Skating Stadium hosts the ultimate test of endurance. While the Dutch remain the favourites—bolstered by Jutta Leerdam’s record-breaking performance earlier this week—the 10,000m remains one of the most prestigious titles in the sport.
Review of Recent Highlights
The road to today’s events has been paved with significant achievements for Team Germany and international stars alike:
- Ski Jumping Success: Philipp Raimund secured a sensational gold medal on the normal hill earlier this week, confirming his status as the new face of German ski jumping.
- Alpine Skiing: Emma Aicher and Kira Weidle-Winkelmann both secured silver medals on 10 February. However, the Super-G yesterday saw a dramatic turn as Aicher failed to finish, while Italy’s Federica Brignone took a sensational home gold.
- Luge: Max Langenhahn made headlines not just for his gold medal performance, but for a humorous “faux pas” where he accidentally declined a congratulatory phone call from the German Chancellor.
Current Medal Table Standings
As of 13 February 2026, the competition for the top spot remains fierce. The following table reflects the standings of the leading nations based on the most recent completed events:
| Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | – | – | – | – |
| 2 | Germany | – | – | – | – |
| 3 | USA | – | – | – | – |
Note: Specific medal counts are updated live as events conclude throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I watch the Olympic highlights today?
In Germany, the games are being broadcast live across Free-TV via ARD and ZDF, with additional comprehensive streaming coverage provided by Eurosport and Sport1. Live tickers are available for real-time updates on all major sporting platforms.
Who are the German medal hopes for the weekend?
Beyond today’s skeleton and biathlon events, eyes are on the Snowboard cross events and the upcoming Figure Skating finals, where international superstar Ilia Malinin is expected to attempt historic jumps.
What happened in the Super-G?
The women’s Super-G was a highlight for the host nation, Italy, as Federica Brignone claimed gold. For Team Germany, it was a day of “what ifs,” as Emma Aicher crashed out after 50 seconds of racing, ending her hopes for a third medal in these games.
Are there any controversies at the 2026 Games?
The games have seen some off-field tension, including a positive doping test for Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler, which is currently under legal review. Additionally, US freestyle athletes have used the platform to voice criticisms regarding domestic political movements (MAGA), sparking debate in the Olympic village.