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2026 Winter Olympics: Italy Faces Environmental Backlash Amid Preparations

1/5/2026

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Italy Hosts Olympics

Italy will host the Winter Olympics from February 4 to February 22, 2026, in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The Games will feature 16 sports, including ski mountaineering.
Environmental criticism is rising as venues remain under construction.
Federica Brignone is a top skier recovering from a serious injury and is training again to compete.
The closing ceremony will take place in Verona.

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Tess Coady Prepares

Australian snowboarder Tess Coady, bronze medalist at the 2022 Beijing Games, prepares for her second Olympics in Milan-Cortina, beginning February 6, 2026.
At 25, she has overcome injuries including a torn ACL and a shoulder reconstruction.
She will compete in slopestyle and big air, training in St Moritz, Switzerland.
She welcomes the Livigno Snow Park’s new course and big air jump, with no prior test events.

History

Historical Context

The 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, held from February 10 to 26, marked Italy's second hosting of the Games, following Cortina d'Ampezzo in 1956. Featuring 80 nations and 84 events, the Games highlighted winter sports and faced scrutiny over environmental impacts. As Italy prepares for the 2026 Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, concerns about sustainability remain relevant.

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Italy Hosts Olympics

Italy will host the Winter Olympics from February 4 to February 22, 2026, in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The Games will feature 16 sports, including ski mountaineering.
Environmental criticism is rising as venues remain under construction.
Federica Brignone is a top skier recovering from a serious injury and is training again to compete.
The closing ceremony will take place in Verona.

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