Quick Read
- Lindsey Vonn, at age 41, has qualified for her fifth and final Winter Olympics after a five-year retirement.
- Milano-Cortina 2026 will be the most geographically expansive Winter Games, stretching across multiple Italian cities.
- Nearly 70% of the 1.4 million Olympic tickets have been sold, with organizers relying on the torch relay to boost excitement.
As the world counts down to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, anticipation is mounting for an event set to redefine winter sports on a global stage. From legendary comebacks to a sprawling schedule across the Italian Alps, this edition of the Games is already marked by stories of resilience, innovation, and record-breaking excitement.
Lindsey Vonn’s Triumphant Return: Defying Age and Injury
Five years after retiring, Lindsey Vonn, at 41, has officially qualified for her fifth—and final—Olympics, representing Team USA in downhill skiing. Her return has captured the imagination of fans and fellow athletes alike. Vonn’s comeback began in November 2024, after a knee replacement restored her ability to compete at the highest level. She quickly silenced any doubts, dominating the World Cup circuit this season with four podium finishes in five races, including a victory in St. Moritz. These results left her far ahead in the U.S. team selection rankings, earning her a spot at the Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
“It was very important to me that I qualified based on my performance and results this season, and not based on what was done in the past. My skiing had to earn this spot, and I’m proud to have done that,” Vonn told The New York Times. Her journey back was anything but simple. The transition involved reacclimating to equipment, overcoming physical setbacks, and, as Vonn described, “fighting so hard against the grain” before everything finally started working in her favor. A full offseason of training in South America and guidance from new coach Aksel Lund Svindal helped her unlock a new level of speed and confidence.
Fellow Olympians and fans have celebrated Vonn’s achievement. On social media, she posted, “I am honored to represent my country one more time, in my 5th and final Olympics! I can guarantee that I will give my absolute best every time I kick out of the starting gate. See you in Cortina!!” (E! Online). Gus Kentworthy and Kara Winger were among those who publicly cheered her on, underscoring the respect and camaraderie she inspires.
Milano-Cortina 2026: A Geographically Sprawling Winter Games
The 2026 Olympics, running from February 6 to 22, will be the most geographically spread-out Winter Games in history. Venues stretch from Milan, Italy’s financial hub, to the storied ski slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo, more than 400 kilometers away. Additional mountain clusters will host events, and the closing ceremony will take place in Verona. The schedule features 16 sports and 116 gold medals, with competition beginning on February 4 and the first medals awarded on February 7.
Among the anticipated highlights are the women’s Alpine downhill on February 8—where Vonn will be a major contender—the men’s figure skating final on February 13, women’s slalom on February 18, and a packed February 19, featuring women’s figure skating, the women’s ice hockey final, and the debut of ski mountaineering as an Olympic sport. The men’s ice hockey gold medal game and closing ceremony will conclude the Games on February 22.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that nearly 70% of the available 1.4 million tickets have already been sold (Daily Sabah). Organizers are banking on the torch relay, which began last week, to further boost nationwide excitement and drive sales, especially for the Paralympics. Broadcasts will reach global audiences, with NBC airing showcase events in U.S. primetime and streaming all competitions.
Challenges and Innovations: Venue Preparations and New Olympic Events
Behind the scenes, the rush to complete and test venues continues. The ice hockey arena in Milan was recently scrutinized for its rink size, but the IOC has announced that all stakeholders—including the NHL and international federations—have agreed on the final dimensions. Test events, including one moved to January with spectators, are helping ensure readiness.
Milano-Cortina will also feature several Olympic firsts: ski mountaineering joins the program, skeleton introduces a mixed team event, luge expands with women’s doubles, and large hill ski jumping adds super team competitions for both men and women. These additions reflect a drive to modernize the Games and broaden their appeal.
The status of Russian athletes remains uncertain. Any participation will require independent reviews ensuring athletes have not publicly supported the war in Ukraine or have military ties, a storyline still developing as the Games approach.
Star Power and Shifting Landscapes: What’s at Stake in 2026
Lindsey Vonn’s return isn’t the only major story. Rising American star Lauren Macuga, a top speed skier, will miss the Games due to injury, as will Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami and Italy’s Federica Brignone, both medal favorites. Their absences have opened the field, increasing the chances for veterans like Vonn to claim Olympic glory once more.
Vonn herself remains realistic but optimistic: “I feel like I’m rolling the dice enough as it is, being 41 and putting myself through this… this is a one-season, final season.” She has confirmed she will finish out the World Cup season after the Olympics, resisting the temptation to extend her career any further.
With global audiences tuning in and new disciplines added to the Olympic program, Milano-Cortina 2026 promises to be a celebration of sport, resilience, and renewal. For Vonn and countless athletes, the Games represent both a culmination and a new beginning—a chance to test limits, inspire millions, and write the next chapter in Olympic history.
Analysis: Lindsey Vonn’s qualification for the 2026 Winter Olympics, achieved through outstanding recent performances rather than past achievements, exemplifies the evolving nature of elite sport—where experience, adaptation, and relentless determination can still triumph in a field increasingly shaped by youth and innovation. Her story will be one of the defining narratives of Milano-Cortina 2026, set against a backdrop of change, challenge, and opportunity for winter sports worldwide. Sources: The New York Times, Daily Sabah, E! Online.