Winter Olympics 2026: Milan Cortina Games Launch with Canadian Ambitions and Global Spotlight
Good morning. Today marks the official commencement of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, unfolding across the picturesque landscapes of northern Italy. This grand sporting spectacle brings together athletes from around the world, with Canada poised to make a significant impact on the medal tally. Below, we provide a comprehensive overview of the Games, alongside updates on solidarity efforts in Greenland and internal divisions at CAAT. But first, let's delve into today's top headlines.
The arrest of Toronto police officers in a sweeping organized crime and corruption investigation has the potential to disrupt the prosecution of numerous other criminal cases, casting a shadow over law enforcement integrity. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled Ottawa's ambitious new strategy to strengthen the automotive sector while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions, signaling a dual focus on economic growth and environmental stewardship. In another development, federal public servants will be required to return to their offices for four days a week starting in July, marking a significant shift in remote work policies.
Olympic Primer: A Calm Start with High Stakes for Canada
Buon giorno from Milan, where the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics are set to officially begin. I'm Jamie Ross, The Globe's sports editor, reporting from the heart of the action. I'll be supporting a dedicated team of five Globe reporters and one photographer, who are fanning out across Italy to deliver the most compelling stories from these Winter Games. Reflecting on my previous dispatch two years ago, the backdrop was starkly different. Then, there was heightened excitement for the first post-COVID Olympics in Paris, amid sunny and hot conditions. That initial enthusiasm quickly gave way to chaos for the Canadian delegation, including transportation disruptions due to rail sabotage and a performance-enhancing drug scandal that dominated headlines.
This time, a sense of calm pervades the Games. Thus far, there have been no major transgressions, and coverage has remained largely focused on athletic performances. However, it's still early, and familiar Olympic challenges such as issues related to Russia, doping controversies, and gender equity are likely to surface as the competition progresses.
Team Canada: Aiming for Medal Glory Amid Geopolitical Tensions
The Olympics inherently stir patriotic pride across nations, and this year, the stakes feel particularly elevated for Canada. The country enters the Games during a period of strained relations with the United States and threats to its autonomy from the American President, adding a layer of geopolitical significance to its athletic pursuits. Historically, Canada has excelled in Winter Olympics, boasting a higher medal count relative to the size of the competition. At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Canada secured fourth place overall with 26 medals. David Shoemaker, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee, has expressed optimism about surpassing that tally in Italy, though he has refrained from specifying an exact target.
Canadian moguls skier Mikaël Kingsbury is set to compete in his fourth and final Olympics, carrying the flag at Friday's opening ceremony alongside fellow athlete Marielle Thompson. With one Olympic gold already to his name, another victory would solidify his legacy as one of the greatest in his sport. Other prominent gold medal contenders include short track speedskater Will Dandjinou, who poses a threat in multiple events; ski jumper Abigail Strate; and both the men's and women's curling and hockey teams, which are perennial powerhouses.
NHL's Return and Hockey Showdowns
The men's hockey tournament will feature the biggest and highest-paid stars, as NHL players return to Olympic competition for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Games. Following Canada's victory over the United States at last year's 4 Nations Face-Off, and amid ongoing political tensions, the prospect of a gold-medal showdown between these rivals has fans eagerly anticipating thrilling matchups. However, formidable teams from Finland and Sweden are also expected to challenge for podium positions, ensuring a highly competitive tournament.
On the women's side, hockey remains largely a two-nation race, with Canada and the United States maintaining a significant advantage over the rest of the world. Their rivalry continues to be a highlight of the Winter Games, drawing global attention and fierce competition.
Geopolitical Dynamics: Russia's Absence and Security Concerns
For the second consecutive Olympics, there will be no official Russian participation due to the country's ban in 2023 over its war in Ukraine. Nonetheless, 13 individual Russian athletes are permitted to compete under a neutral banner. Similarly, the Belarusian Olympic committee faces a ban, with seven athletes from Belarus participating. In a related development, the Italian Foreign Ministry reported on Thursday that it had successfully thwarted a Russian cyberattack targeting websites associated with the Games, including those of hotels in Cortina d'Ampezzo, underscoring ongoing security challenges.
The Globe's Comprehensive Coverage Across Italy
With events spread across seven different sites spanning 22,000 square kilometres, The Globe's Olympic team is strategically positioned in three key clusters. Eric Reguly, the paper's European bureau chief, will be based in Bormio, covering the treacherous Stelvio downhill ski course and men's alpine competitions, as well as reporting from Livigno on freestyle skiing and snowboarding—sports with strong medal potential for Canada. Sports reporter Rachel Brady is stationed in the Cortina cluster, focusing on sliding sports, women's downhill skiing, and curling. Meanwhile, national sports columnist Cathal Kelly and reporters Robyn Doolittle and Grant Robertson will be in Milan, covering hockey, figure skating, and speed skating events.
Opening Ceremony: A Spectacular Multi-Venue Celebration
The opening ceremony will be a unique multi-location event, taking place in Milan, Cortina, Predazzo, and Livigno. Milan will host the Parade of Nations at the iconic 70,000-seat San Siro Stadium, while Canadian flag-bearers Mikaël Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson will march in Livigno. The ceremony, set to begin at 2 p.m. ET, will feature performances by pop star Mariah Carey and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, promising a memorable start to the Games.
Grazie for reading. As the Olympics unfold, stay tuned for in-depth coverage and analysis from The Globe's team on the ground.
