Alexander Ovechkin expresses desire to play at 2026 Winter Olympics & win gold
Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin expresses desire to play at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy and win the gold medal.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are less than two years away and National Hockey League players will be there for the first time since 2014. The NHL's return to the Olympics is massive for the players and fans around the world, giving the league the opportunity to showcase their players to a much wider audience.
In a recent interview in Russia, Alexander Ovechkin was asked about the 2026 Winter Olympics and if he still wants to pursue a gold medal.
Ovechkin said that he still wants to play and compete for an Olympic gold medal, something that's eluded him in his career so far, but with Russia banned, it may be tough to see him and other Russian NHL stars on the ice in Italy in February 2026.
Despite Russia's ban, there still could be a way for Ovechkin and other Russian stars to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics, but it's still too early to tell. As Russia had to do in 2018, 2020 and 2022, they participated under the Olympic flag due to doping allegations. At the ongoing Paris Olympics, Russian and Belarusian athletes are competing as Individual Neutral Athletes, so it's possible that Ovechkin and co. can do the same in Italy.
Ovechkin has competed at three Olympics during his career, starting out in 2006 in Turin, Italy, followed by 2010 in Vancouver and 2014 on home ice in Sochi, Russia. In 17 games at the Olympics, Ovechkin has 11 points (eight goals, three assists), however he hasn't been able to win a medal, the closest he's been is in 2006 as the Russians lost to Czechia in the Bronze Medal Game.
Source: Sportskeeda
Alex Ovechkin addresses uncertainty surrounding Russia's participation in future Olympics
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