Meet the power couples of the 2026 Winter Games, from rivals to teammates

Some of these power couples span multiple sports, while others compete in the same discipline β or even on the same team.
(Image credit: Michael Steele)

Some of these power couples span multiple sports, while others compete in the same discipline β or even on the same team.
(Image credit: Michael Steele)

Malinin, undefeated since 2023, stumbled and fell multiple times, landing far off the podium. Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan won gold in an upset that shocked even himself.
(Image credit: Andreas Rentz)

Korea's Gaon Choi, 17, rebounded from a hard fall to win gold β and end her role model's historic bid for three in a row in the Winter Olympic halfpipe.
(Image credit: Cameron Spencer)

Chock and Bates, four-time Olympians, were heavily favored for gold. But they lost by less than two points to a French duo who has been clouded by controversy involving their former partners.
(Image credit: Francisco Seco)

At 25, Chloe Kim could become the first halfpipe snowboarder to win three consecutive Olympic golds.
(Image credit: Lindsey Wasson)

NPR's Rachel Treisman took a pause from watching figure skaters break records to see speed skaters break records. Plus, the surreal experience of watching backflip artist Ilia Malinin.
(Image credit: David J. Phillip)

U.S. figure skating phenom Ilia Malinin did a backflip in his Olympic debut, and another the next day. The controversial move was banned from competition for decades until 2024.
(Image credit: Andreas Rentz)

NPR reporters at the Milan opening ceremony layered up and took notes.
(Image credit: Sarah Stier)

For many decades, Olympic Games included "demonstration sports." Some, like curling, became part of the permanent roster. But others, like skijoring, didn't stick around.
(Image credit: Chris Cole)

The three-day event is a chance for the top 10 skating countries to bring home a medal β and for viewers to get acquainted with the sport's different disciplines and biggest names.
(Image credit: Matthew Stockman)

Ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut this year, the first winter sport to do so since 2002. Skeleton, luge, ski jumping and moguls are also getting new events.
(Image credit: Antonio Calanni)