The Milan and Cortina Winter Olympics commenced with a spectacular and ambitious opening ceremony that spanned both sides of the Italian Alps, featuring legendary performances by Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli. The event, which lasted four hours at Milan's San Siro stadium, aimed to showcase harmony but was briefly disrupted by boos directed at United States Vice-President JD Vance.
Star-Studded Performances Light Up the Night
Mariah Carey captivated the audience with her rendition of 'Volare', while Andrea Bocelli delivered a powerful performance of 'Nessun Dorma'. These musical highlights were central to a ceremony designed to celebrate Italian culture and the spirit of the Games, drawing cheers from the packed stadium.
Logistical Mastery Across Multiple Venues
Organisers executed a complex logistical plan, coordinating simultaneous athletes' parades in four locations: Milan, Cortina, Livigno, and Predazzo. This innovative approach marked the beginning of a Winter Olympics set to unfold across an unprecedented 14,000 square miles of mountainous terrain, featuring peaks and ski chutes.
Cauldron Lighting by Italian Skiing Icons
Italian skiing legends Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni jointly lit the Olympic cauldron at Milan's Arc of Peace. In a historic move, alpine hero Sofia Goggia lit a second cauldron in Cortina, symbolising the dual-host nature of these Games and adding a unique touch to the proceedings.
Political Tension Amid Celebrations
The ceremony's theme of 'armonia', or harmony, was momentarily challenged when US Vice-President JD Vance appeared on stadium screens. Despite the US team receiving enthusiastic cheers upon entry, Vance was heartily booed by sections of the crowd, highlighting underlying political tensions.
Inspirational Words from IOC President
International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, overseeing her first Games since replacing Thomas Bach in March 2025, addressed the gathering. She stated, "From north to south, east to west, the flame shines as a beacon of hope for all. Tonight, that flame will ignite the cauldron. Its light will shine for the athletes – and from them, it will spark inspiration across the world."
Team GB's High Hopes and Global Stars
Bobsleigh pilot Brad Hall and ice dancer Lilah Fear carried the Union Jack in Cortina and Milan respectively, representing a 53-strong Team GB squad with aspirations to surpass their previous Winter Olympic best. British athletes have shown strong form, with sliders dominating the World Cup skeleton season, curlers leading world rankings in men's and mixed doubles, and three snowboard and freestyle stars winning gold at the recent Aspen X Games.
Comeback Bids and Global Icons
The Games also feature notable comebacks and international stars. Lindsay Vonn continues her return despite a recent knee ligament rupture, while Chinese freestyle sensation Eileen Gu remains a globally popular figure. Their presence adds to the competitive excitement and global appeal of the event.
The opening ceremony set a vibrant tone for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, blending cultural celebration with athletic promise, despite minor political discord. As the Games progress, all eyes will be on the athletes as they compete across Italy's expansive alpine landscape.
