Winter Olympics Tips: More Medals On The Line On Thursday

The medal matchups in women’s ice hockey and the 1500-metre speed skating events take centre stage for Thursday’s Winter Olympics picks.

Here, Sam Cox previews the best of the action today.

Switzerland vs Sweden – Women’s Ice Hockey

After a 2-1 defeat to Canada earlier in the week, Switzerland meet Sweden in the Bronze Medal Game in the women’s ice hockey tournament. Sweden overcame Czechia in the quarters, but were hammered 5-0 by the United States in their semi-final.

The betting markets make the Swiss underdogs, yet games between these teams over the last few years have generally been pretty competitive. Sweden have only won one of the last four meetings in regulation.

Sure, Sweden beat Switzerland 5-2 at the end of last year, but a lot of hockey has been played since then. We’re predicting a close game with a medal on the line.

Pick: Switzerland +1.5 (1/2)

United States vs Canada – Women’s Ice Hockey

The final the bookies expected became reality with Canada and the U.S.’ wins in the semi-finals. Unsurprisingly, the U.S. are overwhelming favourites at 1/5 to win gold after hammering Canada 5-0 in the group stage.

Canada have lost their last seven matches against their bitter rivals. The 2025-26 Rivalry Series ended in a sweep for the Americans, so it’s now five consecutive games with wins by three or more goals.

We’re backing the U.S. to win this one pretty comfortably. Recent matchups have shown there’s a chasm between the two nations.

Pick: United States -2.5 (6/5)

Men’s 1500 Metres – Speed Skating

It’s all about Jordan Stolz in the men’s 1500 metres. Priced at 1/20 to win this event, Stolz has never competed in this event at the Olympics before, which is the only crumb of doubt about his chances.

Olympic champion in the 500 and 1000, Stolz won the World Cup at this distance ahead of Kjeld Nuis. The Dutchman projects as Stolz’s nearest rival and looks the most likely to benefit in the case of an accident or injury to the American.

Nuis is the two-time defending champion in this event. Ning Zhongyan, who finished third in the World Cup, won the bronze in the 1000 metres and could also be in the mix if Stolz isn’t at his best.

Pick: Kjeld Nuis (10/1)

Women’s 1500 Metres – Short Track Speed Skating

Having won two golds already in Milan, Xandra Velzeboer is among the favourites for the 1500 metres. Velzeboer is stronger over shorter distances, though, so Courtney Sarault and Kim-Gil Li are going to attract a lot of betting attention.

Kim won the 2025-26 World Tour. Hanne Desmet, last year’s World Tour winner, is worth keeping an eye on, and Corinne Stoddard, who made two podium appearances in the 2025-26 World Tour, is going to be there or thereabouts.

This promises to be one of the most exciting events of the entire Games. It’s a tough one to call, but Kim’s success on the World Tour stands her in good stead.

Pick: Kim-Gli Li

*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*