Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics Continue
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina are ongoing, with one week remaining until the closing ceremony. The event, which emphasizes sustainability and local economic impact, has featured notable performances from athletes including Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen and American freestyle skier Eileen Gu.
- Alpine skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen secured the first-ever Winter Olympic medal for Brazil, and for any South American nation, by winning gold in the men's giant slalom. Born in Norway to a Brazilian mother, he switched his allegiance from Norway to Brazil in 2024 following a dispute with the Norwegian Ski Federation over control of his marketing and personal image rights. - Freestyle skier Eileen Gu earned a silver medal in slopestyle, her second consecutive Olympic silver in the event, after overcoming multiple injuries, including a severe concussion, in the years since the 2022 Beijing Games. She is also the defending gold medalist in the halfpipe and big air events. - The Games are projected to generate an economic impact of over €5 billion and create 36,000 jobs, with a focus on long-term benefits for the host regions. To avoid "white elephant" venues, 92% of the sites are existing or temporary structures. - A significant portion of the infrastructure is designed for post-Games use; the main Olympic Village in Milan's Porta Romana district will be converted into student and affordable housing. Additionally, organizers are reusing approximately 24,000 items from the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. - The construction of the primary ice hockey venue, the Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena, faced significant delays, leading to concerns from the NHL and an admission from organizers that it would not be fully completed in time for the Games. - Controversies at the Games have included allegations in ski jumping, dubbed "Crotchgate," where some athletes were reportedly manipulating their suits for an aerodynamic advantage. The Canadian curling team has also faced accusations of illegally double-touching stones during matches. - The events are geographically widespread across northern Italy, with Milan hosting ice sports, Cortina d'Ampezzo hosting sliding sports and alpine skiing, and other events taking place in locations such as Bormio, Livigno, and Val di Fiemme. The historic Roman Arena in Verona is being used for ceremonies.
