2026 Winter Olympics: Politics, Athlete Performances Shine

As the Winter Olympics begin in Italy, some Team USA athletes are speaking out about the current political climate in the United States. Athletes such as Chris Lillis, Hunter Hess, and Amber Glenn expressed their concerns and frustrations about the Trump administration's policies, particularly regarding ICE's actions and the treatment of the LGBTQ community. Some athletes faced backlash from conservative politicians and commentators, while others used their platforms to encourage people to speak out against the administration's policies. The US Olympic Committee has prepared athletes for potential mixed receptions from international crowds during the Games.

The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony features a Parade of Nations where athletes from around the world march in country by country, led by flagbearers. The order of countries is determined by the language of the host country, with Greece always entering first and the host country entering last. The penultimate country to enter is the nation hosting the next Winter Games, which is France in this case. There are 92 National Olympic Committees expected to participate in the Milano Cortina Games. The Parade of Nations has a rich history dating back to the 1908 London Games and has become an integral part of the opening ceremony, symbolizing national pride and global unity.

American-born skier Eileen Gu, competing for China, wore a highly personalized ski suit at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, featuring details inspired by her Chinese heritage and personal quirks. The suit, designed by Gu and a fellow Stanford student, included elements such as a Chinese-style dragon, a color-changing thermometer, and a tiny compass. Gu qualified for the women's slopestyle final on Saturday, overcoming a poor start with a strong second run. The article highlights Gu's unique ski suit and her performance at the Olympics.

The Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan became an outlet for rage as some in the crowd jeered at the Israeli delegation and US Vice President JD Vance. The booing was audible over the music in the San Siro stadium, despite pleas from IOC president Kirsty Coventry to be respectful. The jeering demonstrated animosity towards Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, while Vance was booed due to anger against the Trump administration. The ceremony also showed solidarity with Ukraine and Venezuela. The IOC aimed to promote unity through sport, but geopolitical tensions were evident throughout the event.

Many U.S. Olympic athletes competing in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics feel at home in Italy due to their extensive training and racing experience in the region. Athletes such as Lindsey Vonn and Jessie Diggins have a strong connection to the Italian venues, having trained and competed there numerous times. The familiarity with the courses and locations is expected to give them an edge in the competition. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee's CEO, Sarah Hirshland, notes that the athletes know they can shine in these locations. Despite some changes to the courses, the athletes' prior experience is seen as a significant advantage.

NBC broadcaster Todd Richards was caught on a hot mic calling the men's snowboarding big air finals 'so boring' during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Richards, a former professional snowboarder, made the comment after Japan's Kira Kimura and Ryoma Kimata took gold and silver medals, respectively. The event saw Su Yiming of China take bronze, while 17-year-old Ollie Martin from Colorado finished fourth. Richards has worked as a commentator for six Winter Olympics and is widely respected in the snowboarding world.

The article discusses how Lindsey Vonn is able to ski on a torn ACL during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Experts in sports medicine explain that Vonn's ability to ski is due to a combination of factors, including the nature of downhill skiing, her physical conditioning, and modern medical treatment and equipment. Downhill skiing involves predictable movements and doesn't require quick cuts or sharp turns, which reduces the stress on the knee. Vonn's well-developed quadriceps muscles, strong hamstrings and glutes, and a state-of-the-art brace also help to compensate for the torn ACL. Despite the risks, Vonn is scheduled to race in the Olympic women's downhill event.

Kira Kimura of Japan won the gold medal in the men's Big Air snowboarding event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno Snow Park, Italy. Kimura's winning run was a switch backside 1980 weddle, completing five and a half horizontal rotations. The article highlights Kimura's impressive performance, noting that he had previously missed a season due to an ankle injury but had two second-place finishes in World Cup events this season. The article also discusses the progression of the Big Air event, with athletes increasing the difficulty of their jumps over the years. Kimura's gold medal win was a result of his high level of skill and execution, with his best run scoring 90.50 points.