Milano Cortina 2026: Skating into the Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics were widely anticipated as it seems they offer something for everyone. There is something potentially satisfying about gathering to watch the best of the best perform. The games are hosted in multiple Italian cities including Milan this year creating an atmospheric environment in both the games and the olympic village. It is easy for spectators to attend other activities when there are no active events that peak their interests. The same holds true for the athletes, assuming they have found creative ways to fill their free time. Italy is rejoicing in the fact that their host year is shaping up to be their best olympic performance yet. Notably, Frederica Brignone has secured her second gold medal of the games for alpine skiing. It is quite possible that there has been a large spike in viewership whenever a hockey game is streaming this year, I wonder why that would be… In all seriousness, the heated rivalry between Canada and the U.S. is yet again making headlines, particularly in women’s competition.

A fan-favorite—and admittedly a personal favorite of mine—is the Figure Skating event. The amount of precision and dedication put into the art form, creates a captivating experience for all those who view it. In this event, Ilia Malinin, an American gold medalist, has been under scrutiny for the revival of the figure skating backflip. In his rendition of the flip, he lands on one foot, a style patented by French skater Surya Bonaly. The backflip was first performed by Terry Kubicka in the 1976 Winter Olympics and as a result, it was made illegal by the ISU. Surya performed it in the 1998 Olympics and was the first skater on record to land the jump on one foot. It was legalised in 2024 as a credit to Surya’s activism and rebellion. 

Ilia is one of the only skaters able to perform all 6 types of quad jumps, setting him apart from his opponents. His style of skating proves that the art may be interpreted in many ways, not fixing it into the box of delicacy and grace. Another notable name is that of Alysa Liu, another American skater known for her alternative style that brings a fresh perspective to the sport. Skaters like Malinin and Liu represent a broader evolution within figure skating — one that embraces modern styles and personality. While the sport remains rooted in discipline and structure, the younger group of athletes carry with them a shift towards the future. This is something that will likely follow in other sports and areas. 

It is clear that this is a monumental year and another success for the Winter Olympics. This year’s Games have made it clear that winter sports are not confined to one identity, each event offers its own version of intensity.