Day 10 at Milano Cortina 2026: Treacy closes out Games with pride as Vaipan-Law & Digby deliver Olympic Free Skate

We’re into our second full week at Milano Cortina 2026 — and Day 10 brought another reminder of the heart, resilience and fine margins that define Olympic ice.

Treacy closes out Milano Cortina 2026 with pride in his third distance

Great Britain’s Niall Treacy returned to the track for the men’s 500m heats, completing his third and final distance of Milano Cortina 2026 in one of the fastest and most unforgiving disciplines in winter sport. Starting from lane four, Treacy faced a challenging draw from the outset and an intense heat that included a race restart and relentless pace right to the line.

Treacy finished 4th in his heat, narrowly missing out on progression in what marked the end of his individual programme at these Games. Reflecting on the challenge of the start and the work required from the outside lane, he said:

“I was starting in lane four in the 500m which is never ideal — I think you've always got a lot of work to do.”

He added that his focus quickly turned to closing the gap as the race unfolded:

“The gap had sort of opened up at the first lap and a half, two… all them three are really strong, so I thought like let's just try and close down the gap.”

Despite missing out on the next round, Treacy’s Milano Cortina campaign included an Olympic A Final appearance, underlining the level he has competed at throughout the Games.

“I gave it my all in that race… I’m happy and proud with it overall. The Games are tough, they are super stressful and every race is like a final, so I am pretty proud with how I have handled myself.”

Treacy also spoke about the hope that viewers back home have been inspired by watching short track at the Olympic Games:

“This sport is so crazy… hopefully it inspires some other people to get involved because it is fun. I love it and hopefully some other people will love it too.”

Vaipan-Law & Digby deliver Season’s Best on Olympic debut

Later in the evening, Anastasia Vaipan-Law and Luke Digby stepped onto Olympic ice for the Pairs Free Skate, closing out their Games with a Season’s Best performance and a powerful statement on their Olympic debut.

After their earlier appearances at Milano Cortina — including Great Britain’s first inclusion in the Olympic figure skating team event since 2014 — the pair delivered a skate defined by resilience and togetherness. A challenging middle section tested their composure, but they regrouped to finish strongly and showcase the character that has defined their journey to the Games.

Vaipan-Law reflected on the mindset required in the moment:

“Any mistakes that happened today, it just is what it is. You can't do much to get it back once it's gone so you just have to keep going.”

She added:

“As long as we come off the ice knowing that we gave 110 per cent in, that’s all we can really ask for — and I feel like we did.”

Digby echoed that pride, highlighting the strength they showed to finish with purpose:

“Overall we're really proud… I'm proud that we regained our composure and kept our togetherness. We really finished strong and showed that we never give up and keep going until the last second.”

“That programme could have been easy to let it get away from us but to come back and finish strongly is quite special.”

Olympic moments that go beyond results

Day 10 captured the full spectrum of Olympic sport — relentless racing, emotional performances and the ability to respond when it matters most. From Treacy’s fearless fight in the 500m to Vaipan-Law and Digby’s composed Olympic Free Skate, Team GB continued to show the spirit and resilience that define these Games.

For full schedules, results and recaps from Milano Cortina 2026, visit the British Ice Skating Olympic Hub. And if the Games have inspired you to take your first steps on the ice, explore Inspire To Skate and find out how you can get involved back home.