Malinin's Skating, Olympics' Opening, & Bulge Scandal!

The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics officially commenced on Friday in Milan, Italy, with a vibrant opening ceremony at the San Siro stadium, featuring performances by Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli, according to multiple news reports. The ceremony, which celebrated Italian culture through music, art, and performances, marked a refreshing start to the games, creating a positive and engaging atmosphere, as stated by Time.

The opening ceremony, held across four locations, primarily at the San Siro stadium, included appearances by Matilda De Angelis, ballet dancers, and other performers, as reported by the BBC World. Despite logistical challenges, the event was considered a success, highlighted by the lighting of two Olympic cauldrons and a jubilant athletes' parade, emphasizing unity and Italian culture. However, some teams received mixed reactions from the crowd, according to BBC World.

While the opening ceremony provided a festive atmosphere, the games also face potential controversies. Reports suggest that male ski jumpers are rumored to be injecting their penises with fillers to gain a competitive edge, as reported by Ars Technica. This alleged practice, which could increase the surface area of their jumpsuits and potentially add significant distance to their jumps, follows previous scandals involving suit manipulation.

On the sporting front, Ilia Malinin, 21, is the heavy favorite to win the gold medal for the United States in figure skating, according to Vox. The article notes that Malinin is on track to make Olympic history.