Thursday’s Olympic TV Schedule: Chloe Kim Chases Historic Three-Peat While U.S. Men’s Hockey Marks NHL Return Against Latvia
All eyes turn to the Italian slopes and rinks this Thursday, February 12, as the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics deliver one of the most anticipated slates of the Games. Headlining the broadcast is snowboarding phenom Chloe Kim, who is attempting to secure a historic third consecutive gold medal in the women’s halfpipe, and the U.S. men’s hockey team, which welcomes NHL stars back to Olympic ice for the first time in over a decade.
Chloe Kim’s Brush with History
At just 25 years old, Chloe Kim is poised to do what no snowboarder—male or female—has ever done: win three straight Olympic gold medals in the same event. Having dominated the halfpipe in PyeongChang (2018) and Beijing (2022), Kim enters the finals in Livigno as the heavy favorite. Her qualification run on Wednesday silenced many doubters, as she advanced in the top spot, showcasing her signature amplitude and technical precision. A victory Thursday would cement her status not just as a snowboarding legend, but as one of the most dominant winter Olympians of all time.
Objections and Hurdles: The Injury Factor
Despite her frontrunner status, Kim’s path to the podium is far from guaranteed, and significant concerns remain regarding her physical condition. The defending champion suffered a torn labrum and dislocated shoulder during a training run in Switzerland just last month. This injury forced her to withdraw from the X Games and severely limited her on-snow preparation. Unlike previous Olympic cycles where she entered as an invincible force with a string of victories, Kim has not competed officially since December. Critics and analysts question whether her “muscle memory,” which she credited for her qualifying performance, can withstand the intensity of a three-run Olympic final against a field of rising stars who have been competing all season. The lack of recent reps and the psychological burden of a compromised shoulder add a layer of volatility to her three-peat bid that was absent in 2018 and 2022.
NHL Stars Return: U.S. Men vs. Latvia
For hockey fans, Thursday marks a watershed moment as the U.S. men’s team opens its preliminary round campaign against Latvia in Milan. This tournament represents the first time since 2014 that National Hockey League players have participated in the Winter Games, ending a 12-year absence that left fans yearning for best-on-best competition. The American roster is stacked with premier NHL talent, eager to erase the memories of recent Olympic disappointments where non-NHL rosters struggled to medal.
However, the team faces the classic challenge of Olympic hockey: lack of chemistry. With limited practice time to gel compared to European squads that often play together more frequently in international tournaments, the U.S. team is vulnerable to an upset. Latvia, known for its disciplined defensive structure and passionate goaltending, will look to exploit any disjointed play from the American superstars.
Additional Action
Beyond the headlines, Thursday’s schedule features other critical events. Swiss alpine skier Franjo von Allmen, fresh off a Super-G victory, continues his breakout performance, while American speedskater Jordan Stolz looks to add to his medal count. In the halfpipe, Kim’s teammate Maddie Mastro is also a podium contender, looking to capitalize if the favorite falters.
Coverage begins early Thursday morning across NBC platforms, with primetime broadcasts focusing on Kim’s final runs and the U.S. hockey opener.
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