Boos and Applause Mark Opening of Milan Cortina Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially commenced with a unique opening ceremony spread across multiple locations – Milan’s San Siro Stadium, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, and Predazzo. However, the celebratory atmosphere was punctuated by audible disapproval directed towards athletes from both the United States and Israel as they entered the stadium during the parade of nations.
Disapproval for US and Israeli Teams
Israel’s delegation, led by flagbearer Mariia Seniuk, a figure skater, was met with booing as they entered San Siro. This follows previous criticism from the Italian public regarding Israel’s participation in sporting events, including a fine levied against the Italian Football Federation for disturbances during a World Cup qualifying match last autumn.
The US team also faced boos from the crowd, though initially accompanied by cheers. The negative reaction intensified when US Vice President JD Vance appeared on the stadium’s large screen. Security surrounding Vance’s visit was extensive, reportedly involving a fleet of 14 planes and approximately 300 security personnel, according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
IOC President’s Plea for Respect
Prior to the ceremony, Kirsty Coventry, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), urged spectators to indicate respect towards all athletes. “I hope the opening ceremony is seen by everyone as an opportunity to be respectful of one another,” she stated.
A Multi-Venue Opening
This year’s games are notable for their distributed format, with ceremonies held simultaneously in multiple locations. Sara Hector carried the Swedish flag in Cortina, while Walter Wallberg served as the flagbearer in Livigno.
Wallberg expressed his satisfaction with his role, playfully rating his performance a “five plus,” and jokingly noting his concern about the flag getting stuck in the pole.
Dual Flames Lit
For the first time in Olympic history, two Olympic cauldrons were lit – one in Milan and another in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Alpine skiing legends Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni jointly ignited the flame in Milan, while Sofia Goggia, another prominent alpine skier, lit the flame in Cortina.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where are the 2026 Winter Olympics being held?
- The 2026 Winter Olympics are being held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, with events also taking place in Livigno and Predazzo.
- Were there any protests at the opening ceremony?
- Yes, both the US and Israeli teams were booed by sections of the crowd during the parade of nations.
- Who lit the Olympic cauldron in Milan?
- Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni, both alpine skiing legends, lit the Olympic cauldron in Milan.
Did you know? Here’s the first time the Winter Olympics have been held across multiple cities and regions simultaneously.
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