2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina Face Challenges and Anticipation
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are generating both excitement and concern as the games approach. The event, scheduled to take place in Italy, is already facing challenges related to climate change and political tensions, while also showcasing the dreams and aspirations of athletes from around the world.
One major concern is the projected snowpack and glacial ice loss due to the games, potentially worsened by sponsor emissions, according to a report drawing from multiple environmental organizations. This raises questions about the long-term sustainability of winter sports in the face of climate change.
Adding to the complexities, Russian figure skaters will be competing in the Olympics, but not under the Russian flag. Following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which began days after the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) condemned the action, declaring that the war violated the Olympic Truce and the Olympic Charter, according to Time. The IOC initially sanctioned both Russia and Belarus.
Despite these challenges, the games are also a stage for athletes to realize their lifelong dreams. Isabeau Levito, the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic figure skating team, is one such athlete. A video circulating shows Levito as a toddler declaring, "I skate every day so then I can go to the Olympics... So much I want to go to the Olympics. I can be the winner ever and the whole entire day! And I need to do it so much!" according to Time. For Levito, the games also represent a homecoming of sorts, as her mother is from Milan. "No one has to go to a hotel, no one has to travel," Levito said, according to Time. "The only person who needs to make plans is my mom."
In other events, ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates are aiming to break through past Olympic disappointments with their innovative matador-inspired routine, according to Time.
The figure-skating events are scheduled to kick off on the day of opening ceremonies on Feb. 6 with the team event, a competition that debuted at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, according to Time.
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