Stars from the acclaimed hockey romance series Heated Rivalry are set to participate in a prestigious role at the upcoming Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan. The organising committee confirmed on Thursday that actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will carry the Olympic flame ahead of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Games.
Olympic Torch Relay to Feature Popular Series Actors
The opening ceremony is scheduled to commence on February 6, with Williams and Storrie taking part in the traditional torch relay. This marks a significant crossover between entertainment and sporting events, bringing television stars to one of the world's most watched sporting occasions.
Heated Rivalry's Meteoric Rise to Popularity
The popular series, adapted from the Game Changers book series, has captivated global audiences with its fictional narrative about a Canadian and a Russian ice hockey player maintaining a secret decade-long relationship. Initially developed for the Canadian streaming service Crave, the show quickly became the number one series on HBO Max following a distribution deal.
The series has already secured a second season on HBO and is slated for broadcast in Italy from next month, coinciding with the Olympic Games period. Its success demonstrates the growing appetite for sports-themed romantic dramas in mainstream entertainment.
Olympic Venues Facing Tight Deadlines
Meanwhile, preparations for the Winter Olympics continue at pace, with some venues still requiring significant work ahead of the Games' commencement. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated on Wednesday that both the Cortina d'Ampezzo sliding centre and Milan's Santagiulia ice hockey stadium are nearing completion but still need substantial work with just 16 days remaining until delivery.
Construction Challenges for Italian Organisers
The Cortina sliding centre has been under particular pressure since Italy's decision less than three years ago to build a new venue rather than use an existing facility abroad. This choice, initially opposed by the IOC before its grudging acceptance, meant organisers faced an exceptionally tight deadline from the project's inception.
IOC Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi, speaking from Milan, acknowledged "a lot" of work remained for the sliding centre, though he clarified it was "not complex work." Despite the visible tasks still to be completed, he expressed confidence: "It will be ready, no doubt. I am very confident for the sliding centre."
Praise for Rapid Arena Construction
Milan's Santagiulia ice hockey venue has faced an equally challenging construction schedule, with previous slow progress and delays causing significant headaches for organisers. However, Dubi praised current efforts to complete the arena, stating: "Hats off to all who could pull off a venue in such a short time."
The inclusion of Heated Rivalry stars in the opening ceremony represents a strategic move to blend sporting and entertainment elements, potentially attracting viewers who might not traditionally follow winter sports. As the final preparations continue for both the Olympic venues and the ceremonial aspects, anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable Winter Games in Italy.
