Milano Cortina 2026: Norway Leads Medal Table as France Targets Top Ten
MILAN, 10 February 2026 – The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have entered their fourth official day of competition, with Norway establishing an early lead at the summit of the medal standings. As of Tuesday morning, the French delegation sits in eighth place, following a challenging second day that saw the “Tricolores” fail to add to their tally.
Current Standings and French Performance
Norway continues its traditional dominance in winter sports, currently leading the table with a strong showing in cross-country skiing and biathlon. Switzerland and Japan follow closely, occupying the second and third spots respectively. For France, the 162-athlete strong delegation is aiming for a record-breaking winter haul, though the start has been measured. After three days of competition, France occupies the 8th position, with high hopes pinned on upcoming biathlon and freestyle skiing events scheduled for later today.
The United States currently ranks fifth, bolstered by performances in figure skating, though they narrowly missed additional podium finishes on Monday. American skier Lindsey Vonn made headlines during Day 2, contributing to the high-profile nature of the alpine events in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Milano Cortina 2026 Medal Table (Top 5 & France)
| Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 3 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
| 2 | Switzerland | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| 3 | Japan | 2 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
| 4 | Italy (Host) | 1 | 2 | 6 | 9 |
| 5 | United States | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 8 | France | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Quality Concerns and “Most Expensive” Medals
The 2026 medals have been described by organisers as the most expensive in Olympic history, primarily due to the surging global price of gold and raw materials. However, the opening weekend was marred by reports of technical defects. Several athletes, including American figure skater Alysa Liu and skier Breezy Johnson, reported that their medals detached from their ribbons during celebrations.
Olympic officials have confirmed they are investigating the manufacturing process with “maximum attention.” Replacement medals have already been issued to affected athletes, including Johnson, whose new gold medal is reportedly fully intact. The medals for these Games were designed to incorporate historical and cultural components specific to Milan and Cortina, continuing a tradition of host-city customisation that dates back to the 1896 Athens Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is France ranked in the 2026 Winter Olympics?
As of 10 February 2026, France is ranked 8th in the overall medal table. The delegation is expected to climb higher as their specialist events in biathlon and alpine skiing progress.
Are there problems with the Milano Cortina medals?
Yes, several athletes reported that the medals detached from their ribbons shortly after being awarded. Organisers are currently rectifying these manufacturing issues and providing replacements.
Who designed the 2026 Olympic medals?
The medals are designed by the host city’s organising committee. They typically feature elements reflecting Italian culture and the specific geography of the Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo regions.