On Friday, August 7, 2026, President Donald Trump welcomed more than 120 Team USA Winter Olympians and Paralympians to the White House to honor their record-breaking performances at the Milano Cortina Games earlier this year.

The United States team, consisting of 300 athletes, brought home a total of 57 medals, including 12 gold medals. This marked the most gold medals ever won by the U.S. in a single Winter Games and the highest medal count (33) by Team USA at a Winter Olympics held outside North America.

Paralympians contributed significantly with 24 medals earned by 72 competitors across five sports, securing 13 gold medals. Notably, the Paralympic sled hockey team achieved their fifth consecutive gold medal, extending one of the greatest dynasties in international sports.

President Trump praised the athletes, highlighting the achievements of both the men’s and women’s Olympic hockey teams. He remarked on the history-making women’s hockey team, noting, "This team left everything on the ice."

The celebration took place in the East Room of the White House, where athletes were recognized for their dedication and success. Earlier in the year, Trump had also invited members of the men’s Olympic hockey team to his State of the Union address shortly after their gold medal victory.

Megan Keller and Hannah Bilka were among those who celebrated the women's ice hockey gold medal win over Canada during the Games.

Sources