Milan lights the way: 2026 Winter Olympics open with historic dual flames
Fire, flags and firsts, Milan-Cortina launch spectacular Winter Games Ceremony; two cities, two flames, one stage; unity and drama at Winter Olympics; from San Siro to Cortina, a dazzling start to 2026 Winter Games
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially began with a spectacular and unconventional opening ceremony spread across Milan and Cortina, marking the start of the 25th Winter Games.
Around 60,000 spectators were expected at Milan’s San Siro stadium, although visible empty seats dotted the venue. Nearly 3,000 athletes were welcomed during a ceremony that blended historic settings, artistic performances and symbolic moments across multiple locations.
The parade of nations drew loud cheers for the United States team, though US Vice President JD Vance was met with boos from parts of the crowd. International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry used the moment to call for unity, describing the Games as a “celebration of what unites us.”
A ceremony of firsts
In a historic twist, two Olympic flames were lit for the first time ever — one in Milan and another in Cortina — symbolizing the shared hosting of the Games, DW.COM reports.
The Olympic flag was raised in both cities, followed by the Olympic anthem performed by renowned pianist Lang Lang. Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti also featured in the show, adding a futuristic and symbolic touch to the evening’s program.
Italian skiing legends Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni carried the flame in Milan, while fellow alpine great Sofia Goggia lit the flame in Cortina, triggering fireworks and officially declaring the Games open.
Competition begins
Following a longer-than-planned but visually rich ceremony, competition begins immediately. Saturday features five medal events, including the men’s downhill, women’s speed skating and men’s snowboard big air. Sunday brings eight medal events, with the biathlon mixed relay, men’s luge and team figure skating among the highlights.
Over the next 19 days, storylines span generations and continents. American snowboard star Chloe Kim is chasing history, Lindsey Vonn aims for a comeback triumph, and Belgian–Brazilian skeleton duo Kim Meylemans and Nicole Silveira are targeting landmark medals.
The age range of athletes is striking: 15-year-old Abby Winterberger represents the youthful end of the spectrum, while Austria’s 52-year-old Claudia Riegler proves experience still has a place at the elite level. Norway’s cross-country star Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, the return of NHL players to men’s ice hockey, and the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering add further excitement.
After the pandemic-affected Beijing 2022 Games, the Milan-Cortina edition brings back full crowds, historic venues and the atmosphere that defines the Olympic spirit. The Games will run through February 22.
