The Olympic flame is going to be a little cold around this time when it travels to Italy in February. The time has come for the winter edition of the grandest stage of all to unfold in the country that lies close to the one had a history with it. Italy (maritime neighbours of Greece) is all set to welcome the 2026 Winter Olympics. Preparations have been underway in Milan and Cortina to deliver an experience of a lifetime to the athletes shortlisted by the participating countries. The USA walked out of Beijing with 25 medals, and they are to go beyond that in February when the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold. An important update has also come out from the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. What’s that?
On June 18, 2025, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee stood out to the media, answering their questions when Nexstar asked if there would be any streamlined transportation for spectators or athletes. Now this is important because Milan and Cortina are roughly a five-hour drive away from each other. Sports like ice hockey and figure skating will take place in Milan, along with the Opening Ceremony, while Cortina will host the major skiing events and sports like bobsled and skeleton.
According to the report by KXAN Sports, the answer of the committee’s CEO, Sarah Hirshland, to this question was, “There will absolutely be limitations and challenges being able to move freely. The practical reality is that the distances are far and wide.” She deferred to the organizing committee for any specific transportation details. While nothing has been promised by the committee for the transportation of audiences and the athletes back and forth between Milan and Cortina, we can still await future updates.
The question is very fair and legitimate, in the sense of the USA being at the Winter Olympics because the country shares a history of problems with having problems in logistical and travel issues during the winter edition of the greatest stage of sport. In 1980, Lake Placid, a transportation meltdown unfolded when private cars were banned and shuttle systems collapsed, leaving journalists, athletes, and spectators stranded, many forced to walk miles in freezing conditions.
BEIJING, CHINA – FEBRUARY 15: Max Parrot of Team Canada performs a trick during the Men’s Snowboard Big Air final on Day 11 of the Beijing Winter Olympics at Big Air Shougang on February 15, 2022 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Fast forward to Beijing 2022, where pandemic-era restrictions meant Team USA had to charter a Delta A350 from LAX, navigating strict COVID bubbles. We sure do hope these things do not pose a challenge this time around, because there are already many. But also, there are many big names coming back.
2026 Winter Olympics – who to look out for
Chloe Kim will return to chase history, aiming to become the first snowboarder ever to claim three consecutive Olympic halfpipe titles. Already secured her Olympic spot by winning her third World Championship in St. Moritz this season and ranking No. 1 in the world. Expect her to bring unmatched technical prowess; she’s landed historic tricks like the switch double cork 1080. However, weather disruptions, depth of global competition, and sustaining mental and physical form over the grueling Olympic schedule will be key hurdles.
As captain of a loaded U.S. men’s hockey team, Auston Matthews headlines America’s return to NHL-level Olympic competition. He enters the Games fresh from a dominant 69-goal NHL season and a leadership role in this year’s 4 Nations Face-Off. His blend of elite scoring, poise under pressure, and locker room respect makes him central to Team USA’s gold hopes. The biggest tests? Resolving role fits among numerous star players, staying sharp under rival-targeted defensive schemes, and fending off Canada’s high-powered offense.
Red Gerard is aiming for another Olympic medal in slopestyle and big air. He’s consistently done well at the X Games and is one of the top-ranked riders in the world. Known for his creative tricks, he’s always a medal contender. But slopestyle depends a lot on conditions—wind, changes in the course, and tough rivals from Norway, Canada, and Japan could make it hard. He’ll need to adjust quickly and land clean runs to stay on the podium.
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