Winter Olympics 2026 Kicks Off with Historic Dual Cauldrons
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially ignite tonight in Milan, with a spectacle that’s as historic as it is expansive. The opening ceremony at San Siro Stadium, a century-old landmark, is set to feature musical performances from Andrea Bocelli and Mariah Carey, alongside the parade of athletes from more than 90 countries. But what truly makes this moment historic is the dual Olympic cauldrons—one in Milan, the other in Cortina d’Ampezzo—both designed to reflect Leonardo da Vinci’s intricate knot engravings, a tribute to the Renaissance genius who called Milan home for 17 years.
These Games are unlike any before. The Milano Cortina Olympics will be the most geographically spread-out Winter Games in history, covering an area just slightly smaller than New Jersey. Indoor events, from figure skating to speed skating and hockey, will take center stage in Milan, while the snow sports—alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding—will be hosted across Cortina, Livigno and Bormio, utilizing venues familiar to World Cup and championship athletes. This dual-city approach presents logistical challenges but also a stunning showcase of Italy’s winter sports landscape.
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On the athlete front, attention turns to standout figures ready to make history. Pita Taufatofua of Tonga, famed for his shirtless flag-bearing appearances, will lead his nation once again, marking his fourth Olympic opening ceremony. For Team USA, Erin Jackson, the defending Olympic speed skating champion and bobsledder Frank Del Duca, a U.S. Army World Class Athlete, will carry the national flag. Jackson will aim to defend her 500-meter gold while competing in the 1,000 meters, marking her third Olympic appearance, while Del Duca brings over a decade of experience in bobsledding to the Games.
The opening ceremony is more than pageantry—it’s a signal of the global collaboration and resilience that define the Olympic spirit. From dazzling performances to the simultaneous lighting of two cauldrons, these Games are poised to deliver unforgettable moments. They also highlight how innovation and tradition can intersect, bridging centuries of art, culture and sport on a world stage.
For viewers around the globe, this ceremony is your first look at what promises to be a Games full of high stakes, record-breaking performances and personal triumphs. Stay tuned, keep your notifications on and follow closely as athletes make their mark and history unfolds across Northern Italy. The Winter Olympics have begun and the world is watching every move.
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