By Colin Ehrman
Staff Writer
Every four years, people all around the world come together to watch and celebrate the Summer Olympics, a tradition dating back to ancient Greece. And while the Summer Olympics have grown to become arguably the most significant global sporting event, its “little brother,” the Winter Olympics, has sat quietly on the sidelines. But this year, without the shadow of the Summer Olympics, the Winter Games will have the world’s spotlight. The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 are being held in the Alps of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, as the opening ceremonies took place on February 6, and the games set to run until February 22, 2026. With big headlines and controversies coming to the games this year, there’s a lot to know before everything gets started.
One of the biggest headlines ahead of the Winter Olympics is the introduction of a new sport: ski mountaineering (or skimo), a demanding sport blending mountain climbing with fast downhill skiing. Ski mountaineering has gained popularity worldwide in recent years. With its deep roots in Italian winter sports and a recent push to diversify the Winter Olympics, the International Olympic Committee has added it to the Olympic program. Other sports, like skeleton, a headfirst sledding sport, have added a mixed team event, while luge has added women’s doubles, and large hill ski jumping has added women’s and men’s super team events. In total, sixteen sports will be featured this year, headlined by figure skating, snowboarding, ice hockey, and alpine skiing.
While the Winter Olympics have made efforts over the years to diversify their events and boost popularity, geography has continued to play a major role in the Winter Games’ lack of interest. Despite this geographic disinterest, particularly in the southern US, many people have created a deep connection with the Games.
“I love watching the Winter Olympics,” Former R.J. Reynolds High School student and hockey player Maeve Hawfield said. “I feel very connected to the Winter Olympics because not many people from home talk about hockey and winter sports. When I see it on my screen, it really connects to me and my sport.”
Another significant change coming to the Winter Olympics this year is the re-addition of NHL players to the USA hockey team. With current popularity dwindling, the return of NHL players to the Olympics is expected to significantly boost hockey’s popularity, showcasing top stars in international play and attracting casual and diehard fans across the US
“I’m so excited,” Hawfield said. “I think it’s great for the games, and I get to see my favorite hockey players compete against the best in the world.”
As new headlines continue to roll in about the exciting new games and changes coming to this year’s Winter Olympics, a wave of other controversies has surfaced alongside all the excitement. The biggest of these controversies is the newfound involvement of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Italian officials, including Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala, have strongly criticized the US for using ICE agents as security at the Winter Olympics, even referring to them as an “armed militia.” Although the US State Department confirmed that ICE agents would assist in security as part of standard practice, several Italian politicians have made it clear they do not want these agents at the Games.
With the opening ceremonies for the Milan Games set to kick off on February 6, and Vice President J.D. Vance and other US officials expected to attend, these tensions between ICE and Italian Olympic officials are quite reflective of the current tensions between the Trump administration and European allies. ICE’s presence at the games is just one aspect of a long list of issues, ranging from foreign tariffs, Greenland’s future, NATO, and the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Despite all the controversies, whether it’s the presence of ICE, the banishment of Russian athletes, or the impact of geography on Olympic interests, the Winter Olympics are truly a glorious watch. Just take away all the political theater and make the most of the opportunity to be amazed by the work of the world’s finest athletes.