What the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Games will be remembered for - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Kevin BaxterFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics will be remembered for its unique blend of athleticism, drama, and history. Held against the backdrop of Italy, the Games marked the first time a Winter Olympics featured two host cities, with opening and closing ceremonies taking place in different locations. This event not only broke records but also showcased unforgettable performances and unexpected twists, blending sport with culture and politics.
One of the standout aspects of these Games was the participation of athletes over the age of 40, including Elana Meyers Taylor and Kaillie Humphries, who won medals while competing alongside their children. This added a heartfelt dimension to the event, highlighting family involvement in sports. Meanwhile, Norway emerged as the dominant force, with Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo setting a record for the most Winter Olympic gold medals and leading his team to 18 golds overall.
The Games were not without controversy, however. Political tensions arose when Ukraine’s Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified for wearing a helmet adorned with images of athletes and coaches killed during Russia’s invasion of his country. Additionally, accusations of cheating in curling marred the otherwise friendly competition. Meanwhile, U.S. athletes faced questions about the federal immigration raids in Minneapolis, underscoring how sports events can become platforms for broader societal issues.
The performances on the ice and snow were nothing short of extraordinary. Mikaela Shiffrin claimed her second gold medal in slalom, while Alysa Liu became the first American woman to win singles figure skating gold in 24 years. Jordan Stolz dominated speedskating with two gold medals, and Lindsey Vonn’s dramatic crash during her downhill run added an emotional twist to her Olympic journey.
As the Games concluded at the Arena di Verona, a symbol of Rome’s ancient history, athletes reflected on their experiences. Many described it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, with Danny O’Shea calling it “dreams coming true.” The Milan-Cortina Olympics will be remembered not just for its achievements but also for how it brought together stories of triumph, heartbreak, and the complexities of global politics—all set against the stunning Italian landscape.
Verticals
newscalifornia
Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/22/2026