The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics officially opened today with a dazzling ceremony at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium, marking the start of what promises to be the most geographically spread Games in history.
From the bustling streets of Italy’s economic capital to the snowy peaks of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, and Predazzo, around 2,900 athletes will parade in venues closest to their competitions—minimizing travel and maximizing excitement.
The opening ceremony, shrouded in secrecy, celebrates harmony and unity, weaving together Italy’s rich cultural and natural tapestry. Creative director Marco Balich, known for the 2006 Turin Winter Games, promises a tribute to Italian design and fashion, honoring the late Giorgio Armani while presenting a vision of a modern, forward-looking Italy.
The night will feature performances by global icons, including American singer Mariah Carey, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, and Chinese pianist Lang Lang. Dozens of dignitaries, such as US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are in attendance, underscoring the international significance of the Games.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry, overseeing her first Olympics since March, emphasized that the Milan-Cortina Games will focus on positivity and sport, setting aside distractions. This comes amid tensions over US ICE agents’ advisory presence, which Rome assures will not affect operations on Italian soil.
Athletes are bringing stories of courage and hope. Reigning Olympic snowboard champion Chloe Kim shared her pride in representing a country “strongest when it embraces diversity, dignity, and hope,” reflecting her family’s journey from South Korea to the United States.
The Olympic flame reached Milan yesterday, and anticipation builds over the identity of the final torchbearers, who will light two cauldrons inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s knots—one at Milan’s Arch of Peace and another in Cortina’s Piazza Dibona. Reports suggest Italy’s alpine legends Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni will honor this role.
While the Games have already seen thrilling action, including curling and women’s ice hockey, challenges have emerged. A virus postponed the Canada-Finland women’s hockey match, sidelining four Finnish players, but other matches proceeded, with the US defeating the Czech Republic 5-1.
In Cortina, American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, 41, prepares for a remarkable comeback in the women’s downhill despite a recent ACL injury. Her determination embodies the spirit of these Games: resilience, passion, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
The Milan-Cortina Olympics are more than a sporting event—they are a celebration of human perseverance, cultural pride, and global unity. Fans around the world are watching, cheering, and connecting through stories that remind us why sport has the power to inspire.
