The Winter Olympics: Milano Cortina 2026

Milano Cortina 2026 marked the 25th edition of the Winter Olympics. Held in Italy, it was the first time the tournament was hosted by two cities. With 116 events across 16 disciplines and the debut of ski mountaineering, it was touted to be one of the most promising versions till date.

Competition began on the February 4 with the first two games in the round robin of the curling event. The opening ceremony, however, was two days later.

It was on February 7 that Swiss skier Franjo Von Allmen was the first to receive a gold medal and Italy’s Francesca Lollobrigida broke the women’s speed skating record.

Team GB delivered their best performance till date, bringing home three gold medals and a first in snow

Unfortunately, this day was not all was smooth sailing as socioenvironmental groups in Milan protested the event. Apart from this final clash however the events of the day went as planned.

As the Winter Olympics continued, participants became legends: Norwegian skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo cemented his status as the greatest-ever Winter Olympian by winning six golds, a first in the tournament’s history and only the third time it has been achieved across both Summer and Winter. Only swimmers Mark Spitz and Michael Phelps have matched this achievement.

American figure skater, Alysa Liu, then skated her way to two gold medals with her win in singles. This made her the first American to achieve this honour since Sarah Hughes in 2002.

The event ended on February 22 with the US coming in second place to Norway who won a staggering 18 golds and 41 total medals

The home nation, Italy were also given a treat as 35 year old Federica Brignone, who less than a year ago suffered a crash resulting in a torn ACL and leg fractures, claimed gold in both giant slalom and super-G, becoming the oldest female Alpine skiing medallist and the most decorated female Italian skier in history.

Although, the Winter Olympics was not just about individuals; Team GB delivered their best performance till date, bringing home three gold medals and a first in snow.

Georgian figure skaters Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava earned the country their first ever Winter Olympic medals when they won silver in speed skating.

Brazilian Lucas Pinheiro Braathen went one step further by winning a Gold Medal in the men’s Giant Slalom Race, becoming the first to earn a medal for not only Brazil, but the entirety of South America. This victory prompted President Lula da Silva to make comparisons with legendary F1 Driver Ayrton Senna.

The event ended on February 22 with the US coming in second place to Norway who won a staggering 18 golds and 41 total medals, concluding an enthralling Winter Olympics.