Dutch Speedskaters Excel, Avalanche Strikes Near Olympics, and Other News in Brief
Milan, Italy - February 15, 2026 - The sporting world witnessed a mix of triumph and tragedy as the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina continued, with Dutch speedskaters vying for medals and an avalanche claiming lives near the venue. Meanwhile, Magnus Carlsen secured his 21st world title in the inaugural FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship.
In speedskating, the Dutch contingent was hoping for a strong performance. According to Time, fans, many with Dutch connections, were hoping for a win from Femke Kok in the 500-meter race. Her teammate, Jutta Leerdam, who had already secured a gold medal in the 1000-meter event, was expected to finish second. "It was time for Kok to claim her prize," Time reported.
The Winter Olympics also saw a historic moment for Brazil, with Lucas Pinheiro Braathen winning a gold medal, according to a multi-source report from Time.
However, the games were overshadowed by a tragic event. An avalanche on the Italian side of Mont Blanc killed two skiers and injured another, ABC News reported. The incident occurred in Courmayeur, near the Olympic venue, prompting rescue efforts involving helicopters and canine units. The avalanche risk was heightened due to recent snowfall and unstable snowpack conditions, according to the report.
Elsewhere, Magnus Carlsen of Norway won the inaugural 2026 FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship in Weissenhaus, Germany, defeating Fabiano Caruana of the USA, according to Hacker News. This victory secured Carlsen's 21st world title. The tournament also saw Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan take third place and Bibisara Assaubayeva win the women's exhibition match.
In other news, the FBI announced a significant development in the search for Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for three weeks. DNA from a glove found near her home matched a suspect seen on surveillance footage, according to NPR News. Authorities had previously found her blood on the porch and received ransom notes.
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