The 2026 Winter Olympics officially commenced today, February 6, in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, blending athletic prowess with cultural spectacle across multiple venues.
Spectacular Opening Ceremony Sets the Stage
The opening ceremony, held at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium, kicks off at 8 p.m. local time (2 p.m. ET), featuring a star-studded lineup including Mariah Carey, Laura Pausini, Andrea Bocelli, and actors Pierfrancesco Favino and Sabrina Impacciatore. For the first time in Winter Olympics history, two Olympic cauldrons will be lit simultaneously—one in Milan’s Arco della Pace and another in Cortina’s Piazza Dibona—symbolizing unity across the host regions. The Parade of Nations will see athletes from over 90 countries march in, with Greece leading as tradition dictates, followed by others in alphabetical order, and Italy entering last as the host.
Early Competitions Underway
While the ceremony marks the official start, action began earlier with preliminary events. In curling, Team GB’s mixed doubles pair, Jen Dodds and Bruce Mouat, secured a 7-4 win over Sweden, remaining unbeaten ahead of their match against South Korea. Other results included the USA edging Canada 7-5 and Italy defeating Switzerland 12-4.
Figure skating and alpine skiing training sessions are also in progress, with competitions ramping up over the weekend. Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, 41, is making a defiant return despite a recent ACL tear, inspecting the downhill course in Cortina with a knee brace.
Team Expectations and Noteworthy Stories
Team GB’s chef de mission, Eve Muirhead, predicts a strong showing, aiming for up to eight medals with 53 athletes competing. Amid the excitement, protests in Milan against U.S. ICE agents’ involvement in security have drawn attention, with more demonstrations planned.
Additionally, the World Anti-Doping Agency is investigating claims of “penis injections” in ski jumping, adding an unusual controversy to the Games.
As the 16-day event unfolds from February 6 to 22, followed by the Paralympics from March 6 to 15, the world watches Italy’s northern venues host thrilling winter sports. Stay tuned for medal updates and standout performances.