Germany’s Olympic Focus: Key Competitions and Ice Hockey Prospects at Winter Games 2026

On February 11, 2026, the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo enters its fifth day with a packed schedule of eight major events featuring several strong German contenders. The day begins at 10:00 AM MEZ with Nordic Combined’s ski jumping segment, with German athletes Vinzenz Geiger, Johannes Rydzek, and Julian Schmid vying for medals. This is followed by a 10-kilometer race at 1:45 PM, where these athletes will again be in focus.

In Alpine skiing, the men’s Super-G competition starts at 11:30 AM. Although German skiers Simon Jocher and Anton Grammel are participating, Marco Odermatt remains the favorite overall. German hopes are higher in biathlon, particularly in the women’s 15-kilometer race at 2:15 PM. Franziska Preuß, who recently earned a mixed relay bronze, and teammates Vanessa Voigt, Janina Hettich-Walz, and Selina Grotian are leading contenders.

The German luge teams are expected to shine, especially in the women's doubles event scheduled at 5:00 PM and 6:53 PM with Dajana Eitberger and Magdalena Matschina, and in men’s doubles (5:51 PM and 7:44 PM) featuring favorites Tobias Arlt and Tobias Wendl. The men’s speed skating 1000 meters at 6:30 PM sees competitors Finn Sonnekalb, Moritz Klein, and Hendrik Dombek representing Germany. Although German ice dancers Benjamin Steffan and Jennifer Janse Van Rensburg did not advance past the rhythm dance, the ice dance final at 7:30 PM continues.

Meanwhile, Germany’s ice hockey team is garnering high expectations as the men’s tournament begins. The team, under head coach Harold Kreis, includes seven NHL stars with Leon Draisaitl leading as captain. Kreis emphasizes the team’s enhanced reputation and their ambition to reach maximum success, stating that "Germany is no longer flying under the radar." He employs a "Servant Leadership" style, supported by a coaching staff including Stanley Cup winner Jamie Kompon. Despite the compressed tournament schedule allowing little time for tactical adjustments, Kreis remains optimistic about the team’s chances as they prepare for their first match against Denmark on Thursday. This ice hockey squad is viewed as a serious contender with strong leadership on and off the ice.

Additionally, the German curling team faces Canada at 7:05 PM, continuing the country’s broad participation across winter sports.

Germany’s strong presence across these key events on February 11 highlights the nation’s diverse Olympic strength and the potential for medal-winning performances, particularly in Nordic combined, biathlon, luge, and ice hockey. The day will be critical in setting momentum for German athletes as the Winter Games progress.