Familiar Terrain: How Italy’s Olympic Venues Give Team USA an Edge
For many American athletes, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo aren’t about venturing into the unknown. They’re about returning to familiar ground – courses they’ve trained on, mountains they know intimately, and communities that have welcomed them for years. This pre-existing connection could prove crucial as Team USA aims for success.
Cortina d’Ampezzo: A Second Home for Alpine Skiing
Lindsey Vonn’s enduring affection for Cortina d’Ampezzo exemplifies this advantage. With 12 World Cup victories in Cortina – second only to her 18 at Lake Louise – the resort holds a special place in her heart and career. Vonn’s decision to come out of retirement was significantly influenced by the Olympics being held there. “Cortina has always been a place that’s been so special to me,” Vonn said. “I just have a lot of amazing memories.”
This familiarity extends beyond Vonn. The Olympia delle Tofane course, hosting the women’s Alpine races, is well-known to many American skiers. The course allows athletes to understand “what it needs” and “what it takes to win,” according to Vonn.
Val di Fiemme: Cross-Country Comfort
Jessie Diggins, the world’s top-ranked female cross-country skier, also benefits from a well-worn path. Having raced at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in Val di Fiemme numerous times, Diggins is comfortable with the terrain. While officials have reconfigured the course, the underlying knowledge of the area remains a significant asset. “Everyone’s kind of relearning it all over again,” Diggins noted, but her prior experience provides a foundation.
Antholz-Anterselva: A Biathlon Sanctuary for Team USA
Approximately 40 miles south of Cortina lies Antholz-Anterselva, the biathlon venue. Dubbed a “biathlon sanctuary,” this location offers a unique advantage to the U.S. Team. The U.S. Head coach has roots in the valley, and much of the wax staff has a long history of racing there. Deedra Irwin, the top U.S. Female biathlete, believes this local knowledge could be the key to a first-ever U.S. Medal in biathlon. “We kind of are the locals,” she says.
Beyond the Courses: A Welcoming Atmosphere
The advantages aren’t solely about the courses themselves. The welcoming atmosphere and strong relationships built over years of competition contribute to a sense of comfort and belonging. Vonn’s connection to Cortina is so strong that a local restaurant even named a pizza after her. This sense of community can be a powerful motivator for athletes competing on the world stage.
The Olympic Schedule: A Blend of Tradition and History
The 2026 Winter Olympics will blend modern competition with historical settings. The opening ceremony will be held at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, a venue with a century of history. The closing ceremonies will take place in Verona, at a Roman amphitheater dating back to A.D. 30, where gladiators once fought.
Cortina will host curling and sliding sports, while Val di Fiemme will be the site for cross-country skiing and ski jumping. These venues, steeped in tradition, provide a unique backdrop for the Olympic Games.
Challenges and Resilience
Despite the advantages, challenges remain. Lindsey Vonn recently suffered a knee injury, rupturing a ligament a week before the Games. However, she has announced she will still compete, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. “As long as there’s still a chance, I will try,” Vonn stated.
FAQ
Q: Why is Cortina d’Ampezzo so important to Lindsey Vonn?
A: Cortina is where Vonn achieved many of her career milestones, including 12 World Cup victories, and she feels a strong personal connection to the mountain and the town.
Q: What advantage does the U.S. Biathlon team have at Antholz-Anterselva?
A: The U.S. Head coach and much of the wax staff are from the Antholz Valley, giving the team local knowledge and a strong connection to the venue.
Q: Where will the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2026 Olympics be held?
A: The opening ceremony will be at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, and the closing ceremony will be at a Roman amphitheater in Verona.
