Key Highlights
- Olympia 2026 liveblog: Daniela Maier wins gold in Skicross.
- Alysa Liu secures second Olympic gold with a dramatic comeback.
- Finn Sonnekalb’s disappointing performance despite pre-game expectations.
- Donald Trump’s potential visit creates organizational challenges for organizers.
The Gold Rush: Skicross and Eiskunstlauf
Daniela Maier, the 29-year-old German skicrosser, secured her second Olympic gold medal at Livigno with a commanding performance in the final. She outperformed world champion Fanny Smith of Switzerland and previous Peking champion Sandra Naeslund from Sweden.
Maier’s prelude race on Friday morning was also exceptional, setting the fastest time among all competitors. This has boosted her chances for a medal further. She will face the Achtelfinale at 12 o’clock today.
Alysa Liu: Hollywood Revisited
Ice skating sensation Alysa Liu returned to the Olympics with a bang, winning the women’s individual short program in dramatic fashion. The 20-year-old American skater overtook two Japanese competitors to claim gold, marking her second Olympic triumph.
“I didn’t need this,” she said after securing the medal but added, “but what I needed was the stage – and I got it.”
For Liu, the stage was a long-awaited return. Her career took a hiatus in 2022 due to personal reasons before making an impressive comeback.
Finn Sonnekalb: Disappointing Comeback
The German Eisschnelllauf hopeful Finn Sonnekalb had high expectations but fell short, finishing 13th over the 1500 meters. He was expected to bring home a medal for his country, but instead, he faced criticism. His personal best time of 1:45.64 minutes was almost four seconds slower than his previous record.
“It hurts that you have to wait two years just to become world champion,” Sonnekalb grumbled after the race, hinting at a bitter taste from the 2024 European Championship disappointment where he failed to medal.
Organizational Challenges: Trump’s Potential Visit
The organizers of Olympia 2026 are bracing for potential security nightmares as US President Donald Trump considers visiting the Games. If his visit materializes, it will require navigating several logistical hurdles.
“The plan is complicated,” said an Italian official. “We need to figure out how to get Air Force One into Linate without causing a traffic jam.” Alternative options include using helicopters or having Trump attend only the closing ceremony in Verona.
The potential visit has caused stress and uncertainty among organizers, who must balance security concerns with accommodating high-profile guests like the former US president.
