Who Won the Olympics? All the Ways to Count We Could Think Of.

NYT Homepage

by Ben Blatt

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Norway emerged as the dominant force at the 2026 Winter Olympics, securing a record-breaking 18 gold medals and leading the overall medal count. However, the article explores various alternative ways to analyze the competition, revealing different perspectives on which countries excelled in specific categories. When considering events held on snow, Norway led with an impressive 17 wins, but its performance on ice was less stellar, securing only one event victory. In judged sports like figure skating and halfpipe snowboarding, Japan took the spotlight, winning five golds. On sliding tracks, Germany and Austria showed strong performances, while Team Events highlighted the collaborative efforts of countries like Germany and Italy. Norway’s success was particularly evident in individual events, where it secured 14 medals. However, when focusing solely on women’s achievements, the United States led with 63 medals, followed by Sweden and Norway. The article also delves into alternative medal counts, such as adjusting for population size or counting athletes who won at least one medal, which showed the U.S., Canada, and Switzerland performing well. These diverse metrics underscore the multifaceted nature of Olympic success. While Norway’s overall dominance is undeniable, other countries excelled in specific areas, reflecting a wide range of athletic strengths. This approach also highlights the challenges faced by tropical nations like Brazil, whose athletes often struggle to compete due to geographical constraints. Ultimately, the article emphasizes how different methods of measuring medal standings offer unique insights into Olympic performance, catering to various interests and perspectives for readers seeking comprehensive coverage of the event.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/22/2026