MILAN-CORTINA, Italy – The pursuit of Olympic glory officially began for several athletes on , even before the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The figure skating team event took center stage, while curling’s mixed doubles competition also commenced, setting the tone for nearly three weeks of intense competition across 116 medal events.
Figure Skating Team Event Underway Amidst Past Controversy
The figure skating team event, running from and continuing through the coming days, carries the weight of recent history. The last Winter Olympics saw the event overshadowed by the doping case of Russian teenager Kamila Valieva, a situation that ultimately led to the Russian team being demoted to bronze and sparked controversy over the fairness of the competition. The medals were finally awarded at last year’s Paris Olympics.
With Russia currently barred from participating in team events, the competition is wide open. The United States and Japan are considered early favorites, with Great Britain aiming to be competitive and reach the final. The team event features all four figure skating disciplines – men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance – providing a comprehensive showcase of skating talent.
Curling Kicks Off with Mixed Doubles Action
The mixed doubles curling competition also got underway on , with Britain’s Bruce Mouat and Jennifer Dodds facing a challenging schedule. They first took on Sweden, the bronze medalists from the 2022 Games, though a different Swedish pair – siblings Rasmus and Isabella Wrana, who won the world title in 2024 – presented a formidable challenge. Later in the day, the British duo were scheduled to compete against South Korea.
Team GB’s Contingent and Medal Potential
Team GB has sent a contingent of 53 athletes to the Games, signaling a strong commitment to medal contention. The team’s performance across various disciplines will be closely watched, with hopes high for success in events like curling and figure skating, as well as other winter sports.
Athlete Focus: Tess Coady
Australian snowboarder Tess Coady is among the thousands of athletes vying for Olympic success in Milan-Cortina. Her official Olympic profile highlights her journey and preparations for the Games, adding to the diverse range of athletes representing their nations.
A Course Designed for Bold Performances
Snowboarder Josie Bowe spoke about the Olympic course, describing it as “big and funky” but also incorporating standard jumps. She emphasized the opportunity for athletes to showcase a variety of tricks, noting that the features are “really trickable,” a refreshing aspect of the course design. Bowe also highlighted the increased difficulty of the rails, which are significantly higher and longer than those typically encountered, some even taller than her own height of 165 centimeters.
“That relationship with fear is the reason a lot of us do this sport,” Bowe said, underscoring the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level.
Predictions and Anticipation
As the Games progress, predictions from analysts and models will be closely scrutinized. The Stat Man’s model, for example, attempts to forecast medal winners in each of the 116 events, utilizing historical trends, recent form, and Olympic performances. While acknowledging the inevitability of surprises and the emergence of unexpected heroes, such models provide a valuable guide for viewers navigating the breadth of the Winter Olympics.
In Alpine Skiing, Marco Odermatt of Switzerland is heavily favored to win gold in the Men’s Downhill, with Franjo von Allmen (SUI) predicted to take silver and Giovanni Franzoni (ITA) bronze. Odermatt is also projected to win the Men’s Super-G and Men’s Giant Slalom. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil is tipped to win the Men’s Slalom, while Lindsey Vonn (USA) is predicted to win the Women’s Downhill.
Broadcast Information
The Winter Olympic Games will be broadcast on the 9Network, 9Now, and Stan Sport, providing comprehensive coverage for viewers across Australia. Regular updates, results, and expert analysis will be delivered through a dedicated Sport newsletter.
