2030 French Alps Winter Olympics: The way-too-early preview - ESPN
ESPN
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2030 French Alps Winter Olympics are shaping up to be an exciting event with a fresh lineup of athletes and potential for new records. Following the conclusion of the Milan Cortina Games, which saw stars like Mikaela Shiffrin and Alysa Liu shine, the focus has shifted to what’s next for winter sports. The 2030 Olympics will likely span multiple locations in France, with some events possibly held in Italy or the Netherlands. While it's still early to predict outcomes, there are several key developments to watch.
One of the most notable trends is the rise of the United States women’s hockey team as a dominant force. Their victory over Canada in the gold medal game marked a significant milestone, with young players like Caroline Harvey and Aerin Frankel leading the way. These athletes, many under 25, are setting the stage for what could be a dynasty for Team USA. Meanwhile, Canada’s team, which relied heavily on veterans, may face growing pains in the next cycle.
In men’s hockey, the competition is expected to be more evenly matched. Countries like Sweden and Finland, typically strong contenders, will face stiff competition from rising
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/22/2026