The opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday was marked by both celebration and controversy, as Vice President J.D. Vance was met with boos and jeers from the crowd of 65,000 attendees, according to Time. The event, which aimed to be a unifying experience, also featured a tribute to Italian cinema and offered a welcome change from previous Olympic ceremonies that faced various challenges.
The boos directed at Vance were a notable moment during the ceremony. While former President Donald Trump seemed unfazed by the reaction, recent polls suggest that negative sentiment towards the U.S. extends beyond Vance in Western Europe, according to Time.
The ceremony itself was lauded by some as a success. One of the highlights was a tribute to Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita," a "witty, concise tribute to La Dolce Vita," according to Time. The event was seen as a refreshing change from previous Olympic opening ceremonies, which had been plagued by issues such as extreme temperatures, COVID-related restrictions, and weather disruptions.
For many U.S. Olympic athletes, Italy already feels like home turf. American athlete Jessie Diggins, the world's top-ranked female cross-country skier, was recently seen competing in Val di Fiemme, Italy, according to NPR News. The upcoming games will provide another opportunity for athletes to compete in a familiar and welcoming environment.
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