Winter Olympics 2026 Deliver Drama On and Off the Ice

The 2026 Winter Olympics began on February 6 and will continue through February 22, marking a historic chapter for the Games. For the first time, the event is officially being shared between two host cities: Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

This dual-host format splits the action between a modern metropolitan hub and a mountain resort town set in the southern Dolomites. Milan, Italy’s second-largest city, has taken charge of the indoor ice competitions, including figure skating and ice hockey.

Meanwhile, Cortina d'Ampezzo, known for its alpine landscape and winter sports tradition, is staging events such as Alpine skiing, curling, bobsled, luge, and skeleton. The geographic contrast between the two venues has become a defining feature of this year’s Games.

However, attention has not focused solely on athletic performances. The nearly three-week event has also generated controversy. Several judging decisions have sparked accusations of bias, prompting debate among fans and commentators.

Some delegations have voiced dissatisfaction with the quality and variety of food provided in the Olympic Village, calling it repetitive. In addition, a handful of high-profile disqualifications have raised questions about rule enforcement and fairness.

Despite these disputes, the Games have delivered moments that extend beyond competition. Emotional scenes have unfolded at finish lines, including marriage proposals that captured global attention. The official team mascot has also become a fan favorite, adding a lighter tone to an otherwise intense environment.

So far, the 2026 edition has combined elite performance, organizational challenges, and unexpected human stories. While medals remain the central focus, it is these off-the-field developments - both contentious and heartwarming - that have shaped the narrative of this year’s Winter Games.

Pieroguszka Wins the Crowd

The official mascots of the 2026 Winter Olympics are stoat siblings Milo and Tina. Still, Team Poland brought its own symbol to the spotlight - a pierogi plush named Pieroguszka.

After Polish figure skaters finished their routines, the toy was tossed onto the ice as a show of support.

Pierogi, Poland’s well-known dumplings, are usually filled with potato, cheese, meat, or vegetables.

Luft, the Polish workshop behind the plush, said they were deeply grateful to see Pieroguszka reach the Games and win over audiences worldwide.

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Wanted Fan Misses the Match

A 44-year-old Slovak hockey supporter was arrested in Italy while attempting to attend the Slovakia–Finland game.

Italian police said he had been on a wanted list since 2010 over several alleged shoplifting cases. After leaving the country years ago, he returned this month for the match.

Authorities tracked him down after he checked into a guesthouse near Milan on February 11. He was detained before the game, where Slovakia went on to defeat Finland 4–1.

According to Reuters, he is expected to serve 11 months and seven days in prison.

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Cheers and Boos at Milan Ceremony

The Winter Olympics opened at Milan’s San Siro stadium with performances by Andrea Bocelli and Mariah Carey.

Team USA entered to loud applause, led by speed skater Erin Jackson. But when Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance appeared on the big screen, the reaction shifted to clear boos, mixed with some applause. A CBC commentator noted the crowd’s jeering as the moment unfolded live.

Later, Vance told athletes to focus on competing, representing the country, and aiming for medals rather than engaging in politics, and to try to unite the nation.

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Ukrainian Skeleton Racer Disqualified Over Helmet Tribute

Vladyslav Heraskevych of Team Ukraine was disqualified from the Winter Olympics after competing with a helmet honoring Ukrainian athletes killed in the war following Russia’s invasion.

The International Olympic Committee said no messaging is permitted during competition. IOC President Kirsty Coventry noted that while the tribute carried strong meaning, it violated rules designed to keep the field of play neutral. The committee had suggested he display the helmet before and after the race or wear a black armband instead.

Heraskevych’s team plans to appeal the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. He criticized the decision, saying it supports Russia’s narrative and disrespects the memory of the fallen athletes.

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Quick Thinking on the Ice

When Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier took the ice for their rhythm dance, a costume issue nearly disrupted the routine.

During a lift and spin, part of Poirier’s sleeve tore off and caught on Gilles’ tights as she rotated on his shoulder. She reacted instantly, grabbing the loose piece and hiding it behind her back before it could fall.

They carried on without hesitation and ultimately claimed bronze on February 11, finishing behind the United States and France.

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Minions Music Drama Before the Olympics

Just days before the Olympics, Spanish figure skater Tomás-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté was told he couldn’t use his Minions-themed short program due to copyright issues.

He said he had completed all the necessary steps to secure the music, but clearance was suddenly denied. The routine featured audio from Despicable Me, and he performed it in a yellow T-shirt and denim overalls inspired by the characters.

After the issue gained traction online, Universal Pictures approved the track. On February 10, he finally delivered the playful routine to an enthusiastic crowd.

Despite the buzz, the six-time Spanish champion placed 25th and did not advance to the men’s free skate.

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Public Apology After the Podium

After securing a bronze medal, Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid used his televised interview to address his former partner.

The 28-year-old called her the love of his life and admitted he had been unfaithful three months into their relationship. Speaking to NRK, he said he had confessed to her a week earlier and was ready to do anything to win her back, even at the cost of public backlash. He acknowledged that he had acted emotionally and said sport had taken a back seat in recent days.

His former partner later told VG that forgiveness was difficult and that she had not chosen to be placed in the public spotlight. She confirmed they had spoken and that he understood her position.

A day later, Lægreid issued a formal apology through the Norwegian Olympic team, saying he had acted on impulse and regretted sharing such a private matter on air.

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Medal Mishap at the Games

Olympic officials are looking closely into reports that several medals slipped off their ribbons during the opening weekend celebrations.

After winning gold in downhill skiing, Breezy Johnson said her medal came loose while she was jumping in excitement. She noted the damage was minor and later received a replacement.

German biathlete Justus Strelow experienced the same issue when his bronze medal detached during celebrations. US figure skater Alysa Liu also shared a video showing her team's gold medal without its official ribbon.

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Malinin Flips Team USA to Gold

Ilia Malinin electrified the crowd by landing a backflip that helped secure gold for Team USA in the figure skating team event.

The move was first performed at the Olympics by former U.S. champion Terry Kubicka in 1976, who landed it on two blades before the International Skating Union banned it as too risky. The rule was reversed two years ago to boost the sport’s appeal to younger fans.

Malinin, 21, known as the “Quad God,” said the flip brings suspense and a strong crowd reaction. He has reportedly gone more than three years without a defeat.

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Too Much Pasta at the Olympic Village

Team Georgia’s Gleb Smolkin says even in Italy, pasta can become overwhelming. The figure skater admitted he started feeling unwell after eating the dish repeatedly at the Milan Olympic Village canteen.

He noted the absence of Russian or Georgian options, describing the menu as largely European and somewhat repetitive. Pasta, including a version shaped like the Olympic rings, has become one of the most talked-about meals.

Olympics food director Elisabetta Salvadori clarified that athletes are not limited to pasta. The canteen also offers potatoes, rice, bread, vegetables, yogurt, fruit, oatmeal, pizza, fish, and eggs, giving competitors a range of alternatives.

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Ski Jumping Suit Scandal Rumor

In January, the German newspaper Bild reported that some male ski jumpers were injecting hyaluronic acid to increase their measurements, aiming to qualify for larger suits and gain more lift in the air.

Before each season, athletes undergo detailed 3D body scans in tight underwear to determine the exact suit dimensions they’re allowed to use. Even small increases in circumference can translate into more fabric, helping the suit act like a sail and extend flight distance.

Dr. Robert Glatter told Men’s Health that even a one-centimeter difference in key areas could impact performance, which is why past controversies have centered on strict measurement controls.

The International Ski Federation dismissed the report as unfounded, stating there has never been evidence that any athlete used such injections to gain an advantage.

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Olympic Village Supply Runs Dry

The Olympic Village in Milan has reportedly run out of condoms after cutting its stock from 300,000 to just 10,000, according to the Daily Mail.

Nearly 3,000 athletes are competing at the Winter Games, The Guardian reports. Providing free contraception in Olympic villages has been standard practice for decades.

This year’s condoms carried the message, “Health first: prevention and common sense.” An unnamed athlete told La Stampa that the supply was gone within three days, with organizers promising more soon — though no timeline was given.

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Lindsey Vonn Injured in Downhill Crash

Team USA skier Lindsey Vonn crashed just seconds into her downhill run on February 8 and was airlifted to the hospital. The 41-year-old, who had already torn her ACL in January, underwent surgery to repair a fracture in her left leg.

She said she was slightly off her line when her arm caught a gate, which twisted her and led to the fall.

The four-time World Cup champion said she does not regret competing. For her, having the chance to race was a win in itself, even knowing how dangerous the sport can be.

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Judging Debate Overshadows Ice Dance Final

France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron claimed gold after edging out Team USA’s Madison Chock and Evan Bates by just 1.43 points. But the result sparked backlash.

During the free dance, five of nine judges favored the Americans, while one French judge scored the home pair nearly eight points higher. Critics pointed to visible timing issues and a mistake in Cizeron’s twizzle. Italy’s Marco Fabbri and Charlène Guignard also suggested the Americans deserved the top spot.

Fans have since launched a petition urging the International Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union to review the judging for transparency.

Chock called the silver “bittersweet,” saying their skate felt flawless and that they left everything on the ice. Bates noted the sport’s subjectivity but stressed they delivered their best performance.

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Tension in Milan

Snoop Dogg is in Milan as an honorary coach for Team USA, tasked with boosting athlete morale with his humor and presence, according to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

On February 11, his security team reportedly intervened in an incident involving Dutch commentator Marianne Timmer, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in speed skating. Timmer said she was pushed closer to a wall while waiting to interview athletes and described the hallway as wide enough to avoid contact. After she spoke up, she claims the guards returned and continued to crowd her.

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Gold Medal and a Ring

Team USA’s Breezy Johnson left Cortina with more than a victory.

The alpine skier claimed gold in the women’s downhill, securing the United States’ first medal of the Games. Days later, she crashed in the Super-G and did not finish. After crossing the line on foot, she found her boyfriend, Connor, waiting with a ring.

He proposed with a box engraved with a lyric from Taylor Swift's "The Alchemy."

Johnson later introduced him on Instagram as her “ex-boyfriend and current fiancé.” Swift joined the celebration in the comments, quoting another line from the same song and congratulating the couple.

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Olympic Village’s Most Eligible

American luger Sophia Kirkby has declared herself the Winter Games’ “most eligible bachelorette.”

Ahead of competing in Cortina, she posted on Instagram that she’s single and ready to meet someone, joking that the Athlete Village dating season has officially started. She also confirmed her dating apps would be active during the Games, with Valentine’s Day around the corner.

Soon after, the 24-year-old hinted that several potential suitors had already reached out — though she kept their names to herself.

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Disqualified After the Finish Line

Nathan Pare, 21, appeared to win Thursday’s snowboard quarterfinal, but officials later disqualified him. While accelerating out of a turn to move up from fourth to third, he made contact with Spain’s Lucas Eguibar, who lost balance and fell. Pare crossed the line ahead of France’s Jonas Chollet and Loan Bozzolo, but judges ruled the collision was intentional and voided his result.

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Leerdam Wins Gold and Sets New Record

Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam claimed gold in the women’s 1000m on February 9, finishing in 1:12.31 and setting a new Olympic record.

Her fiancé, Jake Paul, shared an emotional Instagram video celebrating with her family, calling the achievement a world-record performance and expressing his pride.

Leerdam previously earned silver in the same event at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

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On-Air Misgendering Sparks Apology

NBC commentators repeatedly referred to Elis Lundholm, the first trans man to compete in the Winter Games, using the wrong pronouns.

Lundholm, a Swedish skier who uses he/him pronouns, competed in the women’s category because he has not begun masculinizing hormone therapy, according to Outsports.

An NBC Universal spokesperson later issued an apology, stating that NBC Sports takes the issue seriously and hadremoved the replay from its platforms.

The network faced similar criticism in 2021 after misgendering nonbinary skateboarder Alana Smith during Olympic coverage.

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As the Games continue, the story of this year’s Winter Olympics goes beyond medals and podiums. From tense judging debates to joyful finish-line proposals, the mix of pressure and celebration has defined the atmosphere in both Milan and Cortina.

With days still ahead, more surprises are almost guaranteed. That unpredictability - both thrilling and controversial - is exactly what keeps audiences watching.