As the countdown to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics enters its final week, anticipation builds for a Games that promises to blend world-class athletic competition with significant political and environmental undertones. Returning to Italy for the first time in two decades, this edition marks a historic moment as the first Winter Olympics to be co-hosted by two cities: the fashion hub of Milan and the picturesque mountain town of Cortina d'Ampezzo.
A Sporting Spectacle Across Northern Italy
The Milano Cortina Games will stretch across northern Italy, featuring sixteen sports and awarding more than 110 gold medals. From the adrenaline-fuelled speeds of alpine skiing and bobsleigh to the strategic endurance of biathlon and cross-country, the event offers a diverse array of disciplines. Alpine skiing enthusiasts will eagerly watch Mikaela Shiffrin, who continues to set new standards in technical events, while Team GB's Dave Ryding aims for a memorable Olympic finale.
Figure skating returns with its captivating mix of artistry and high-pressure performances, led by American sensation Ilia Malinin, whose innovative jumps are redefining the sport. Speed skating, including the intense short-track variant, will deliver drama measured in fractions of a second, with Italy's Arianna Fontana remaining a dominant force. Ice hockey brings physical clashes and heated rivalries, with Canada as the perennial favourites, and curling, under the guidance of Team GB's Bruce Mouat, showcases precision that rivals more power-driven sports.
Geopolitical Tensions and Security Concerns
Geopolitically, the Olympics navigate a complex landscape. IOC President Kirsty Coventry has emphasised the organisation's commitment to safeguarding the Olympic movement amid rising global tensions. Attention has heightened around US President Donald Trump, whose foreign interventions, such as the capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro and ambitions for a Greenland takeover, have faced international pushback.
Adding to the dissent, the involvement of ICE agents in security operations for the Games has sparked controversy. Following incidents in 2026 that resulted in eight deaths, including those of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala has criticised ICE as "a militia that kills," leading to protests outside the US embassy in Rome.
Neutral Athletes and Doping Issues
Russian and Belarusian athletes approved to compete will participate as "Individual Neutral Athletes" under strict IOC conditions, a ruling that overturned blanket bans but faced resistance from some federations, complicating the qualification process. Doping remains a concern, particularly after the Beijing 2022 coverage focused on Kamila Valieva's positive test, an issue the IOC hopes to avoid repeating. The broader political climate ensures these Games will not be isolated from global events.
Sustainability and the Split-Host Model
Organisers have positioned Milano Cortina as a modern Games, prioritising sustainability over scale. With a focus on reducing permanent construction and utilising existing venues, the event aims to lower carbon emissions and protect ecosystems. Snow sports will take place in the Dolomites, while ice events are set in Milan and nearby cities.
However, the climate crisis looms large, with warmer winters and reliance on artificial snow sparking debates about the future of winter sports. The split-host model, spreading events across locations, is under scrutiny for its efficiency and potential disruptions to athletes, fans, and media, testing transport infrastructure and possibly influencing future Olympic bids.
Cultural Appeal and Visual Identity
Italy leverages its cultural allure to enhance the Games' experience. From Milan's elegant arenas to the stunning Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009, the event promises a unique visual identity. Food, fashion, design, and landscape will play pivotal roles in shaping the legacy of Milano Cortina.
Key Events Before the Opening Ceremony
Sporting action commences prior to the opening ceremony on 6 February. Key events include:
- Wednesday 4 February: Curling mixed doubles round-robin matches, including Great Britain versus Norway at 7.05pm CET.
- Thursday 5 February: More curling sessions, ice hockey women's preliminary rounds, and snowboarding big air men's qualifications.
- Friday 6 February: Continued curling and figure skating team events, leading to the opening ceremony at 8pm CET at San Siro, featuring performances by Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli, with dual Olympic cauldrons in Milan and Cortina.
As preparations intensify, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics stand at the intersection of sport, politics, and environmental stewardship, offering a multifaceted spectacle for global audiences.
