The upcoming Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina are set to introduce mountain climbing skiing as a new competition for the first time, showcasing an emerging sport outside of the Alps. On February 19, the Games will crown its first champions in this discipline. Meanwhile, other competitions are unfolding, with speed skating finals taking place for the 1500-meter distance, recognizing the athletes with the most versatile skills. Women's hockey will see a final showdown between perennial rivals Canada and the United States, highlighting the fierce competition in Olympic ice sports.

In figure skating, Japanese athletes are poised to claim gold as the choices in the free program could ultimately decide the medals. The medal tally is constantly changing, with Norway maintaining a strong lead, largely due to excellent performances in cross-country skiing and Johannes Klaebo's historic medal achievements. The United States and Canada continue to vie for supremacy in ice sports, while Japan and China reinforce their standings in technical disciplines.

As Latvia does not have any athletes competing on this particular Thursday, the focus remains on the broader picture of global competition, illustrating the dynamics of participation among the nations at these Olympic Games. This year's event not only highlights athletic prowess but also the evolving landscape of winter sports and the inclusion of new disciplines, which could change the format and excitement of future competitions.