The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics have officially begun, even though the opening ceremony is still days away. While the spectacle in Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium takes place on Friday, the first competitive events are already unfolding today.
Curling Opens the Action at Milan Cortina 2026
Curling is the first sport to kick off competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with mixed doubles matches beginning at 1:05 p.m. ET. Alongside curling, training runs are also scheduled today for men’s alpine skiing and men’s luge, marking the quiet but crucial start to the Games.
Fans can follow the full 2026 Winter Olympics schedule and live coverage throughout the week as athletes begin their quest for Olympic glory.
Stunning Olympic Images Set the Tone
One of the enduring joys of the Olympic Games — both summer and winter — is the breathtaking photography that captures athletes, venues, and dramatic landscapes. Early highlights include powerful images from photographer Michael Kappeler, who documented Latvia’s Emils Indriksons training on the skeleton track.
The 19-year-old is competing in his first Olympic Games as part of a 67-athlete Latvian delegation. Latvia earned just one bronze medal at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, making this a pivotal opportunity for the nation to improve its medal tally.
Team USA Returns with Proven Medal Winners
Team USA arrives in Italy with one of the largest delegations at the Games and plenty of experience. A total of 33 American athletes who have previously won Olympic medals are competing again at Milan Cortina 2026.
From bobsleigh legend Kaillie Armbruster Humphries to ice hockey star Grace Zumwinkle, the United States boasts a formidable mix of veterans and rising talent. For now, ice hockey teams are taking part in practice sessions as they settle into Milan.
Women’s Ice Hockey Begins Tomorrow
Competitive women’s ice hockey action begins tomorrow with three opening matches:
- 6:10 a.m. ET – Sweden vs Germany
- 8:40 a.m. ET – Italy vs France
- 10:40 a.m. ET – United States vs Czechia
Milan Cortina 2026 Logo: Chosen by the People
The Milan Cortina 2026 logo, known as “Logo Futura,” features a sleek silver “26” and stands out as the first Olympic emblem selected by popular vote.
Commission Chair Sari Essayah explained the symbolism behind the design:
“Influenced by the themes of sport, solidarity and sustainability, ‘Futura’ illustrates a dynamic and modern design that reflects the fundamental values of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”
San Siro Takes Centre Stage for Opening Ceremony
The historic San Siro Stadium will host Friday’s opening ceremony, placing one of football’s most iconic venues under a global spotlight. While the stadium lacks modern luxuries, its character and beauty are unmatched — raising renewed debate over plans to demolish and rebuild it.
For many, the Milan Cortina Games reinforce why San Siro should be preserved rather than replaced.
Most Gender-Balanced Winter Olympics in History
Milan Cortina 2026 is set to become the most gender-balanced Winter Olympics ever. Women will account for over 47 percent of athlete participation, up from 45.4 percent at Beijing 2022.
There will be 50 women’s events, a record for the Winter Games and a major milestone for gender equality in sport.
Lindsey Vonn’s ACL Gamble Sparks Debate
One of the most controversial storylines heading into these Games is Lindsey Vonn’s decision to compete without a functioning ACL. The anterior cruciate ligament is vital for knee stability — especially in downhill skiing, where athletes reach speeds of up to 80 mph.
Vonn insists it can be done, pointing to others who have competed under similar conditions. Her teammate Breezy Johnson confirmed that racing without an ACL is an unspoken reality in elite skiing.
“It’s not easy. It’s not safe. But it can be done — and it is done,” Johnson said.
Even Vonn’s former youth coach, Tony Olin, admitted he raced for three years without an ACL.
Still, serious concerns remain.
Vonn’s remark — “What’s 90 seconds in a lifetime?” — reflects her determination, but critics argue the risk is too high. Competing at full speed with a torn ACL could cause permanent damage, affecting not just her Olympic performance but her long-term quality of life.
With Milan Cortina likely to be her final Olympic appearance, Vonn’s decision sits at the intersection of bravery, ambition, and responsibility — and will remain one of the most closely watched stories of the Games.