Stars Ready for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026

MILAN, Italy — The countdown has begun for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, set to start on February 6 and run through February 22, 2026. This year’s games promise to be spectacular, showcasing a record 116 medal events spread across stunning venues from Milan to Cortina d’Ampezzo.

The event marks a significant return to Italy, 20 years after the last Winter Games, featuring competitive sports clustered within a 160-mile radius. The competitions will take place in various locations with the opening ceremony at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium and the closing ceremony at the historic Verona Arena, a renowned Roman amphitheater.

The United States has a strong contingent of athletes poised to excel at these games, having finished in the top five in total medals at the last six Winter Olympics. Among the top names are returning gold medalists and breakthrough stars to watch closely.

Mikaela Shiffrin, a gold medalist in both 2014 and 2018, aims to rebound from a disappointing outing in 2022 where she failed to win a medal. Since then, she has shattered the record for World Cup victories, now at 99, and has secured two World Cup overall titles. ‘I’m focused and ready,’ Shiffrin said, adding that she aims to become the first American skier to earn a third Olympic gold medal.

Forty-year-old Lindsey Vonn, another legendary skier, is making a potential last Olympic appearance in Milan Cortina. After a successful partial knee replacement surgery, Vonn has indicated her desire to compete in her fifth Olympics. ‘To be able to ski without pain is a completely new world for me,’ she remarked.

In figure skating, 17-year-old Ilia Malinin, dubbed the ‘Quad God,’ also enters the fray after being overlooked for the 2022 Olympics. Malinin has won eight consecutive competitions and became the first skater to land a clean quadruple axel in competition. ‘This is the moment I’ve been waiting for, and I’m ready to showcase what I can do at the Olympics,’ he stated.

Snowboarding star Chloe Kim aims for a third consecutive Olympic halfpipe gold following her two wins in 2018 and 2022. Kim, now 24, took a year off and returned with new tricks, saying, ‘I really wanted to enjoy snowboarding again and do what feels good.’

Another athlete to watch is Jordan Stolz, a 20-year-old speedskater favored to win multiple medals after a strong performance at the World Championships. Stolz has grown rapidly in the sport and was inspired by watching the 2010 Olympics. ‘I started skating at five years old, and it has been an incredible journey since,’ he said.

Jessie Diggins, known for clinching the first U.S. Olympic gold medal in cross-country skiing, returns with diverse accolades, including multiple championships. Diggins has opened up about personal challenges, including an eating disorder, showcasing resilience. ‘I want to compete for as long as I can, but I am committed to my health,’ she shared.

With a focus on accessibility, the Milan Cortina Games will introduce new sports like ski mountaineering, adding to a thrilling lineup. Ticket sales have already commenced, and the organizers have implemented a lottery system to ensure fair access, particularly given the expected high demand.

The atmosphere surrounding the winter games is heightened by the fact that it will be the first Olympics held since the COVID-19 pandemic, attracting thousands of fans eager for a live sporting experience. Local communities are encouraged to prepare for travel arrangements, as there are no direct flights from certain U.S. cities to Milan.

Overall, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina is shaping up to be a memorable celebration of sport, achievement, and resilience, as top athletes from around the globe vie for Olympic glory.