The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, are set to begin in just days, marking a historic first for the Games as they are co-hosted by two cities. This will be the third time the Winter Olympics have been held in Italy, and the first under International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry.
The Games will feature 16 different sports and 116 medal events, including the debut of ski mountaineering as an official sport. A notable development is the NHL's decision to allow its players to compete in the Olympics for the first time since 2014, adding a significant boost to the ice hockey competition.
American men's skiing Olympic medalist Alex Ferreira recently spoke about the intense rivalry between the U.S. and Canada, a dynamic that is expected to be renewed at the 2026 Games. "The rivalry with Canada is always there," Ferreira stated, highlighting the heightened tension and competitive spirit between the two nations in winter sports.
The selection of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo as co-hosts represents a shift from the traditional single-city hosting model. This approach aims to leverage existing infrastructure and distribute the economic benefits of the Games across a wider region. Italy previously hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 in Cortina d'Ampezzo and in 2006 in Turin.
With the opening ceremonies fast approaching, final preparations are underway to ensure a successful and memorable Winter Olympics. The Games are anticipated to draw athletes and spectators from around the world, showcasing the pinnacle of winter sports competition.
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