U.S. Men's hockey overtime win and the Olympic sport that produces the best athletes - Up First Recap
Podcast: Up First
Published: 2026-02-19
Duration: 31 minutes
Guests: Becky Sullivan, Juliana Kim
Summary
Team USA's men's hockey team clinched a dramatic overtime victory against Sweden, advancing to the semifinals. Cross-country skiing is highlighted as producing the best athletes due to their exceptional VO2 Max scores.
What Happened
In a thrilling match, Team USA's men's hockey team defeated Sweden in overtime, thanks to a game-winning goal by Quinn Hughes. This victory propels them into the semifinals as they chase their first medal since the iconic 1980 Miracle on Ice.
The Olympic overtime format, featuring three-on-three sudden death play, contributed to the excitement by opening up the ice for more dynamic skating. Meanwhile, Canada's men's hockey team narrowly edged out Chekia in their own overtime battle.
Off the ice, Olympic medals have seen issues with their clips, which attach the ribbon to the medal, causing some to break. Despite this, the medals are more valuable than ever, driven by record prices for gold and silver due to economic uncertainty and tariffs.
Cross-country skiing is showcased as the Olympic sport that produces the best athletes, with competitors consistently achieving the highest VO2 Max scores, a measure of aerobic capacity. This sport's demanding nature often leaves athletes physically exhausted at the finish line.
The episode highlights that while cross-country skiers may naturally have high VO2 Max capacities, this can also be improved through training, enhancing both performance and longevity. This ties into broader health benefits, as boosting aerobic fitness is linked to a healthier, longer life.
Exercise physiologist Steven Seiler suggests focusing on overall fitness rather than just aiming for high VO2 Max numbers. Tools like smartwatches and online fitness calculators can estimate VO2 Max, though treadmill tests remain the most accurate.
In other Olympic news, Michaela Schifrin celebrated a gold medal win, dedicating her victory to her late father, Jeff. U.S. hockey captain Hillary Knight and speed skater Brittany Bow also made headlines with their engagement.
Key Insights
- Olympic medals are breaking at the clips, but their value is soaring due to record prices for gold and silver amid economic uncertainty and tariffs. The irony lies in their physical fragility versus their market strength.
- Cross-country skiers, known for the highest VO2 Max scores, challenge the notion that aerobic capacity is purely genetic. With rigorous training, athletes can enhance this measure, boosting both performance and lifespan.
- The Olympic overtime format, featuring three-on-three sudden death play, transforms hockey into a high-speed chess game. The limited players on the ice create more space, amplifying the intensity and strategic depth of each match.
- While smartwatches and online tools estimate VO2 Max, they miss the accuracy of treadmill tests. Exercise physiologist Steven Seiler argues that chasing high VO2 numbers can mislead; instead, holistic fitness offers broader health benefits.
Key Questions Answered
What was the outcome of the Team USA vs. Sweden hockey game?
Team USA's men's hockey team won an overtime thriller against Sweden, advancing to the semifinals. Quinn Hughes scored the decisive game-winning goal.
Why are cross-country skiers considered top athletes?
Cross-country skiers are regarded as top athletes because they consistently have the highest VO2 Max scores, indicating superior aerobic capacity and endurance.
What issues are there with the Olympic medals this year?
There have been reports of Olympic medals breaking due to a problem with the clips that attach the ribbon to the medal, despite the medals being more valuable than ever due to high gold and silver prices.