Winter Olympics 2026 live updates: Women's hockey semis and Megan Oldham's medal quest

The excitement surrounding the 2026 Winter Olympics is palpable as athletes from around the globe gather in Italy. Among the standout events that have captured the attention of sports fans is the women’s hockey tournament, where Canada’s team is poised for a crucial semifinal showdown against Switzerland. This match not only represents a chance for the Canadian team to secure a medal but also carries with it the legacy of fierce competition that has defined women’s hockey on the Olympic stage.

Canada’s women's hockey team faces Switzerland in semifinals

In what promises to be an exhilarating matchup, Canada’s women's hockey team is set to clash with Switzerland in the semifinals. A victory would guarantee Canada a spot in the finals and, more importantly, a shot at Olympic gold.

This semifinal marks the second encounter between these two teams during the tournament. In their previous meeting, Canada triumphed decisively with a 4-0 victory during the round-robin phase. The stakes are higher this time, as the winner will advance to face either Sweden or the United States in the final for gold.

The rivalry between Canada and the United States has been particularly fierce in Olympic history, with the two teams meeting in gold medal matches for four consecutive Olympics. Canada has come out on top three times, showcasing the depth and talent of their program. However, the U.S. made a statement earlier in the tournament, defeating Canada 5-0 in their preliminary matchup. This context adds an extra layer of intensity to the upcoming game against Switzerland, as Canada seeks redemption and a pathway to reclaim its Olympic glory.

Figure skating highlights: Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps aim for podium

The figure skating events continue to thrill audiences, with pairs skating taking center stage. On Monday, the free skate program will unfold, following the short program held on Sunday.

Among the Canadian competitors, the duo of Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud enter the free skate ranked in third place, giving them a strong chance to contend for a medal. In contrast, former world champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps find themselves in a challenging position, currently sitting in 14th place after Stellato-Dudek experienced a fall during their short program. This event marked a significant moment for the pair, as they made their return following Stellato-Dudek’s injury incurred during training just weeks before the Games.

Today's Olympic schedule: Key events to watch

The 2026 Winter Olympics are entering their final week, and the schedule is packed with exciting events. Athletes are competing for medals across multiple disciplines, showcasing their skills and determination.

On the ice, the figure skating pair Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps will look to secure a podium finish in the free program. Additionally, Canadian short-track skaters Courtney Sarault, Florence Brunelle, and Kim Boutin will race for medals in the women's 1000m. On the slopes, Megan Oldham has her sights set on another medal in women's skiing big air, where she faces off against China's superstar Eileen Gu, who is aiming to defend her Olympic title.

Highlighted below are the key events to watch for today:

• 3:05 a.m. – Canada vs. China in women’s curling round-robin
• 4 a.m. ET - Two-man bobsleigh featuring two Canadian teams
• 5 a.m. ET - Women’s 1000m short track quarterfinals, including Canada’s Sarault, Brunelle, and Boutin
• 8:05 a.m. ET - Canada vs. Czechia in men’s curling round-robin
• 1:05 p.m. – Canada vs. Japan in women’s curling round-robin

In terms of medal events, the following times are noteworthy:

• 6:41 a.m. ET - Women’s 1000m short track finals
• 7:30 a.m. ET - Men’s slalom
• 1:30 p.m. ET - Freestyle skiing women’s big air featuring Canada’s Oldham and Naomi Urness
• 2 p.m. ET - Pairs figure skating free program with Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps competing
• 2:20 p.m. ET – Ski jumping men’s super team event
• 3:06 p.m. ET - Women’s monobob in bobsleigh

How to watch the Winter Olympics in Canada

For Canadian viewers eager to catch the Winter Olympics, CBC serves as the official broadcaster. Fans can enjoy the Games through their television provider or stream them for free via the CBC Gem app. The app provides an accessible way to follow the thrilling action from the comfort of home.

Your guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics

The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are poised to make history, not only for the thrilling competitions but also for the geographical spread of the events. As athletes from various nations converge in northern Italy, the Games promise to showcase a blend of traditional winter sports and exciting new disciplines, such as ski mountaineering.

The competition is fierce, with Canada fielding strong teams across various sports, from hockey to figure skating. However, the backdrop of international relations, particularly tensions involving the United States, adds a unique layer to this year’s Olympics.

To stay informed on all aspects of the Games, including schedules and athlete performances, readers are encouraged to access detailed guides and articles that cover every facet of the Olympics.

Engage with us: Share your Olympics questions

As the excitement of the Winter Games unfolds, The Globe welcomes inquiries from readers curious about various aspects of the competition. Whether it’s about Canada’s performance, the atmosphere in Italy, or specifics about upcoming events, feel free to reach out. The journalism team on the ground is committed to providing answers and engaging with the audience.