It was a banner day for New England at the Milan Cortina Games as local athletes captured the world stage on Tuesday. Three medals came home to the region, including a historic silver on the snow and a curling triumph that ignited a watch party in Massachusetts. Yet, amidst the celebration, an emotional figure skating debut reminded everyone of the resilience behind the glory.
Breaking a Fifty Year Drought
Ben Ogden of Landgrove, Vermont, rewrote the history books Tuesday afternoon. He surged across the finish line to claim the silver medal in the sprint classic cross country final. This performance marks a massive milestone for Team USA. Ogden is now the first American man to medal in Olympic cross country skiing since Bill Koch won silver in 1976.
The race was grueling from the start. Ogden stayed tucked in the lead pack through the technical sections of the Val di Fiemme course. On the final climb, he made his move. With lungs burning and snow flying, he separated himself from the Norwegian favorites to secure second place.
Key Achievements for Ben Ogden:
- Event: Sprint Classic Cross Country
- Medal: Silver
- Hometown: Landgrove, Vermont (UVM Alum)
- Significance: Ended a 50 year medal drought for US men
The significance of this win cannot be overstated for the Nordic skiing community in the Northeast. For decades, American men have chased the shadow of Bill Koch. Ogden did not just chase it. He caught it.
Wayland Club Erupts for Silver
While Ogden conquered the snow, Korey Dropkin brought glory to the ice. The Southborough, Massachusetts native won a silver medal in mixed doubles curling alongside his partner, Cory Thiesse. The duo displayed tactical brilliance throughout the week, leading them to the podium.
Back home in the Bay State, the atmosphere was electric. Broomstones Curling Club in Wayland was packed to the rafters. This is the very club where Dropkin learned to throw his first stone. Friends, family, and young curlers gathered around television screens to watch one of their own achieve the ultimate dream.
When the final stone settled, the club erupted in cheers that could almost be heard in Italy.
The connection between Dropkin and his home club remains strong. He often credits the supportive environment at Broomstones for his development. The club has a long tradition of producing elite talent, but an Olympic medal elevates that legacy to a new level.
Why This Matters for US Curling:
- Validates the mixed doubles program on the global stage.
- Inspires the next generation of curlers in New England.
- Showcases the depth of talent coming from local clubs like Broomstones.
Surprise Podium Finish for Vermont Skier
The medal rush continued on the alpine slopes. Paula Moltzan, a University of Vermont alumna, shocked the field in the inaugural alpine women’s team combined event. She partnered with Jacqueline Wiles to snatch the bronze medal.
The result was a stunning upset within the American team itself. Moltzan and Wiles finished just ahead of the heavy favorites, Mikaela Shiffrin and Breezy Johnson, who ended up in fourth place.
Moltzan skied with aggression and precision. She navigated the slalom portion of the event with the technical skill she honed on the icy slopes of the East Coast. This event requires versatility, demanding skiers to master both speed and technical turns.
This win highlights the depth of the US ski team. While the spotlight often shines on superstars like Shiffrin, athletes like Moltzan prove that on any given Tuesday, hard work pays off. The bronze medal is a testament to her grit and the strong alpine culture at UVM.
An Emotional Debut on Olympic Ice
Tuesday was not only about medals. It was also about the triumph of the human spirit. Figure skater Maxim Naumov made his Olympic debut under circumstances that would break most people. Just one year ago, his parents, former World Champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, were tragically killed in a midair collision over the Potomac River.
Naumov took the ice with the weight of that loss and the power of their legacy pushing him forward. He skated a flawless short program. Every jump and every spin seemed dedicated to the memory of his coaches and parents.
The Skating Club of Boston held a massive watch party for Naumov. He is a beloved figure there, known for his work ethic and kindness. After his performance, he sent a direct message to his supporters back in Boston. He thanked the kids, coaches, and staff who became his second family during the darkest year of his life.
Maxim Naumov’s Path to Milan:
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Base | The Skating Club of Boston |
| Coaches | Originally trained by parents Vadim & Evgenia |
| 2025 Tragedy | Lost parents in Potomac collision |
| 2026 Result | Flawless Olympic Short Program Debut |
His performance was more than just a routine. It was a statement of survival and love. The crowd in Milan gave him a standing ovation, sensing the magnitude of the moment. It stands as one of the most touching stories of the 2026 Games.
The day ended with New England athletes proving they belong among the world’s elite. From the cross country trails to the curling sheet and the figure skating rink, they showed grit, skill, and heart.
As the games continue, the region will be watching closely. But for now, Tuesday belongs to Ogden, Dropkin, Moltzan, and Naumov. Their achievements have etched their names into Olympic lore and brought pride to their hometowns.
