Ah, there’s something about winter sports that I just love. It’s just well, different but as well as the talent on show, for me, it’s the spectacular scenery as well, especially when it’s a clear day.
So, I’m happy that we’re merely weeks away from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy but also I realised, almost a year since an investigation into the coaching delegation and equipment managers of Norwegian’s ski jumping team.
Frankly, it was one of the most bizarre and brazen (in equal measure) attempts at cheating that I’d ever heard of, even more so, because the country was considered the ‘kings of ski jumping’, an investigation was launched after secret footage caught evidence of suits being illegally modified. To me it made no sense and people won’t be able to help watching them in future without doubts in the back of their minds.
In all honesty thought this is just a side issue. I think it would be a shame to let this mar what will be a superb couple of weeks of action and for the first time, the Winter Olympics will be hosted by two primary host cities. There is Milan, serving as the ‘metropolitan hub’ and then Cortina d’Ampezzo (the “Queen of the Dolomites”).
In just over a week’s time in what will be one of its last major acts before it is demolished, the iconic San Siro football stadium – home to AC Milan and Inter Milan for a century or so, will be the venue for the opening ceremony in what should be some spectacle.
What We Can Expect From These Games
One new discipline that I’m intrigued by is “Skimo”; making its Olympic debut and involves climbing up a mountain and then skiing down in what I’m led to believe is one of the most gruelling sports we’re going to see over the course of the two weeks.
There are actually quite a few events I enjoy; my personal favourite being downhill skiing. In the men’s it’s Swiss superstar Marco Odermatt who is the heavy favourite and one to watch and, currently leading the standings on the World Cup circuit, though he will likely be challenged by Giovanni Franzoni, who will be wanting to impress on his home turf.
I think it could be a fairytale podium (maybe a bronze medal) for Italian downhill legend, Dominik Paris, who will also be wanting to bow out on a high in what will likely be his last Olympics.
In the women’s meanwhile, I think the biggest storyline is the return of Lindsey Vonn from injury at the age of 41 after an eight-year absence from the games – she’s of the best ever, though this is so intriguing. Mikaela Schiffrin, also American and 11 years her junior, has effectively become the new ‘golden girl’ of US downhill skiing, so I can’t wait to see what happens here.
In a dramatic change of pace, I’m also intrigued by curling; an event I only ever really get to see when it is shown at the Olympics. The defending mixed doubles gold medalists Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner will get the chance to defend their title on home turf, though it is Team GB who are ranked world number one and agonisingly lost out on gold four years ago. I think this could actually be tense.
For the first time in 12 years, ice hockey returns to the Olympics and I can’t wait. If British media covered more of this I’d probably watch it, but Canada’s roster looks exciting with players like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid and if they meet a strong Team USA led by Auston Matthews, it will be a clash for the ages.
Another storyline I’m following is the rise of teenage snowboarding superstar Mia Brookes of Team GB who is already the world champion. It’s another sport I enjoy watching (and once upon a time, doing!), so hopefully Brookes can bring home the gold!
It would be nice to get through these games relatively drama-free, though when it comes to the ski jumping, I’d expect some mention of “Stitch Witchery”. Let’s hope the only spell cast, is for some good weather!