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olympics

US Earns Most Gold Medals In Nation’s Winter Olympics History

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The United States took home a total of 33 medals at this year’s Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Of those medals, 12 were gold, the most gold the US had ever taken in a Winter Olympic Game. 

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When US athletes initially arrived in Italy, they faced a multitude of protests and questions regarding the nation’s politics and rising tensions. However, as the Games progressed, the focus was on what truly mattered, pure athletic ability and talent representing the pride these competitors have for their sports. 

Some of the most talked about moments were on the ice, with the solo and team performances by US figure skaters as well as the US men’s and women’s hockey teams. 

“The men of USA hockey are GOLDEN at the Winter Olympics for the first time since 1980,” the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee said.

The US became the only country outside of Europe to get into the top five nations with most medals at this year’s Winter Games. 

Elena Meyers Taylor from Georgia won gold in the “monobob” bobsled event, and said: 

“I don’t think I’m going to process this for a while. There were so many moments during this entire season, during these past four years, that we just thought that was impossible.”

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At these Winter Games, the US sent over its largest roster of athletes ever, 232 men and women, with 18 states sending no Olympians at all, according to the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s official tally of athletes and their “recognized hometowns.”

Colorado itself accounted for five medals, including three gold, while Vermont and Wyoming accounted for one gold and six silver medals. This is an incredible feat considering how small of a population both states have. 

“It’s been a tough road, but sometimes you just have to keep going because that’s the only option. And sometimes when you keep going, maybe you’ll make it back to the top. It’s really special,” said Alpine skier Breezy Johnson from Wyoming, who won gold in women’s downhill. 

Norway took home more gold and the most medals overall with 25 of the 41 medals being won within two disciplines: cross-country skiing and biathlon. The US, in comparison, medaled in eleven different sports disciplines, shining in figure skating, hockey, bobsledding, and speedskating. 

“It [the gold medal win] means a lot to me,” said Stolz, from Wisconsin, who picked up two gold and a silver.

“It’s every four years that you get the chance to win Olympic gold, so I’m super happy.”

olympics

‘Success Today Has A Completely Different Meaning,’ Lindsey Vonn After Third Leg Surgery

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Lindsey Vonn recently gave an update that she had her third successful surgery on the broken leg she unfortunately suffered during the women’s Olympic downhill event on Sunday. 

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Vonn posted photos on Instagram to give the update, including photos of her giving a thumbs up in her hospital bed with a metal frame attached to her leg. 

“I had my 3rd surgery today and it was successful. Success today has a completely different meaning than it did a few days ago.”

“I’m making progress and while it is slow, I know I’ll be okay,” Vonn wrote. 

On Sunday’s race at the Milan Cortina Games, the 41-year-old professional athlete crashed just 13 seconds into her run, and had to be airlifted off the course by helicopter. 

She stated late on Monday that she had suffered a “complex tibia fracture that is currently stable but will require multiple surgeries to fix properly.” 

Additionally, just nine days before her crash on Sunday, Vonn ruptured the ACL in her left knee in another crash. Previously, Vonn was making headlines and excited fans after she returned to the Games from about six years of retirement. 

Alan Kildow, Vonn’s father, told the Associated Press this week that Lindsey is surrounded by family “at all times” at the hospital in Treviso where she is currently being treated. 

Andrea Panzeri, the chief physician for the Italian Winter Sports Federation, also told the publication that some fractures require “external fixation to keep the leg stable,” often until a further surgery is performed. 

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Panzeri has operated on other top skiers after serious injuries such as Sofia Goggia and Federica Brigone. 

“Thankful for all of the incredible medical staff, friends, family, who have been by my side and the beautiful outpouring of love and support from people around the world,” Vonn said. 

“Also, huge congrats to my teammates and all of the Team USA athletes who are out there inspiring me and giving me something to cheer for.”

Vonn holds the record of 12 World Cup victories in Cortina, and returned to racing in December 2024, after she endured a knee replacement surgery in April 2024. 

She was the top speed racer this season as she entered the Olympics, by winning two downhills and finishing on the podium, in seven of the eight World Cup races, she also came in fourth in the other one. 

Vonn has received an outpour of support in her comments just a few hours after delivering her update. 

Hall of Fame tennis star Billie Jean King wrote, “Forever the champion! Feel better soon.” Seven-time Olympic track champion Allyson Felix said, “sending you lots of love.”

Teammate Bella Wright commented of Vonn, “the baddest there is.”