Winter Olympics 2026 Day 1 recap: Hilary Knight’s record-tying goal, Lindsey Vonn ends doubts and U.S. figure skaters eye gold

Hilary Knight had a record-tying performance in Team USA’s 5-0 victory over Finland. Lindsey Vonn practiced for the second straight day and ended all doubts about her performing in Sunday’s Olympic women’s downhill competition. U.S. figure skaters Madison Chock and Evan Bates had another strong performance as the Americans took the lead in the figure skating team event, while American curlers Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin struggled. Plus, new faces emerged for Team USA ahead of Monday’s freeski slopestyle final.

Here are the top five stories of the day:

1. Hilary Knight’s record-tying performance

In the United States’ 5-0 victory over Finland, Hilary Knight tied the Olympic record for the most goals in women’s hockey history with 14. Knight, 36, is now tied with Natalie Darwitz and Katie King.

It was an all-around balanced scoring night for the U.S. Alex Carpenter, Megan Keller, Abbey Murphy and Taylor Heise also scored. This was their second straight game where they have scored five goals, after their 5-1 victory over Czechia on Thursday.

2. Lindsey Vonn still looks great in training

Lindsey Vonn ended any speculation that she would not be able to compete in Sunday’s Olympic women’s downhill competition. After rupturing her left ACL in last week’s upper section of the World Cup downhill race in Switzerland, Vonn completed her second straight day of training Saturday in Italy.

In Saturday’s training run she finished with a time of 1:38.28, more than 2 seconds faster than her Friday time. At 41 and after a six-year absence, Vonn is continuing to defy odds.

3. Back-to-back losses end undefeated start for U.S. curling team

It was a rough day for the U.S. curling team. After a record-setting 4-0 undefeated start, Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin suffered back-to-back losses to undefeated Great Britain and the previously winless South Korea. Team USA is now 4-2.

Great Britain’s Jennifer Dodds and Bruce Mouatis are perfect so far in Italy with a 7-0 record and bound for the playoffs. South Korea is now 1-5 after the upset win over the Americans.

The U.S. team will look to bounce back against Estonia and Sweden on Sunday.

4. Madison Chock and Evan Bates dominate free dance

Three-time world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates put on a masterclass to finish first in the team event free dance. Chock and Bates scored 133.23 points.

Team USA has a five point lead with 44 points heading into Sunday’s team event finale. Japan is second with 39 points and Italy third with 37.

5. Avery Krumme, Mac Forehand, Alex Hall and Konnor Ralph qualify for freeski slopestyle final

17-year-old Avery Krumme qualified for Monday’s women’s freeski slopestyle final. Krumme was born in Canada and switched her nationality to represent the United States in 2024.

USA’s Mac Forehand, Alex Hall and Konnor Ralph will also represent the men’s side in the freeski slopestyle final.

Highlight of the day

How did she do this?

One more thing

Look at Erin Jackson’s family’s reaction after seeing her represent the U.S. as a flag bearer at Friday’s Opening Ceremony.