ZOH 2026: Hokej, Hinds a ďalšie momenty z 15. dňa olympiády v Miláne

The 15th day of competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo is underway, bringing a mix of thrilling contests and significant developments across several sports. From leadership changes within the International Olympic Committee to pivotal moments for individual athletes, Saturday, February 21st, delivered a compelling chapter in these Games.

A New Leader for Athlete Voices

Pau Gasol, a two-time NBA champion from Spain, has been elected Chairman of the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission. This appointment automatically places the 45-year-old onto the 15-member IOC Executive Board. Gasol, who has been a member of the Athletes’ Commission since 2021, expressed his commitment to leading the commission and will oversee preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Did You Know? Pau Gasol’s jersey number 16 has been retired by the Los Angeles Lakers and hangs in the arena where gymnastics and boxing competitions are being held during the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Gasol’s election marks the first time in 14 years a man has led the commission, following the terms of Finnish ice hockey player Emma Terho and, previously, Zimbabwean swimmer Kirsty Coventry, who last year became the first woman elected as IOC President.

Slovak Skier Faces Final Olympic Race

Slovak cross-country skier Peter Hinds competed in his final Olympic event on Saturday, participating in the 50km mass start race. This marks the end of his Olympic career, and fans can follow the results on Sportnet.sk.

A Familiar Rivalry Renewed

The Slovakian men’s hockey team faces a potential rematch against Finland in the bronze medal game, echoing a painful loss from the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Sixteen years ago, Slovakia lost to Finland 3-5 in the bronze medal match, a defeat that continues to resonate with former players like Michal Handzuš. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 8:40 PM local time.

Slovak Hockey Team Evaluated After Semifinal Loss

Following a 6-2 loss to the USA in the semifinal, readers of Sportnet.sk had the opportunity to rate the performance of the Slovak hockey players. The team will now compete for the bronze medal against Finland.

Expert Insight: The upcoming bronze medal match against Finland presents a significant opportunity for the Slovakian hockey team to address the shortcomings identified in their semifinal loss and potentially secure a historic Olympic medal, given their previous encounter in Vancouver.

Close Call for Polish Short Track Skater

Polish short track speed skater Kamila Sellierová narrowly avoided injury during the quarterfinal of the 1500m race. She was struck in the face by the skate of American Kristen Santos-Griswold during a fall, but thankfully escaped with no serious injuries. Santos-Griswold was subsequently disqualified.

Slovak Coach Expresses Disappointment

Slovak hockey coach Vladimír Országh voiced his dissatisfaction with his team’s performance in the semifinal loss to the USA. He emphasized the need for his players to return to the form they displayed in earlier games as they prepare for the bronze medal match against Finland.

Looking Ahead: Today’s Schedule

Beyond the hockey bronze medal game, Saturday’s Olympic schedule includes events in biathlon, bobsleigh, cross-country skiing, curling, freestyle skiing, skialpinism, and speed skating. Peter Hinds will compete in the 50km mass start cross-country race, while Marianna Jagerčíková and Jakub Šiarnik will represent Slovakia in the skialpinism mixed team event. Viktória Čerňanská and Lucia Mokrášová will continue their competition in the women’s bobsleigh.

Frequently Asked Questions

What position does Pau Gasol now hold within the IOC?

Pau Gasol is now the Chairman of the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission and a member of the IOC Executive Board.

What is the significance of the upcoming hockey game between Slovakia and Finland?

The game is a rematch of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics bronze medal game, which Slovakia lost to Finland 3-5.

What happened to Kamila Sellierová during the short track race?

Kamila Sellierová was struck in the face by the skate of another competitor during a fall, but avoided serious injury.

As the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue, what impact will these events have on the momentum and morale of the competing athletes and teams?