00:01Officially called the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, this will be the 25th
00:08edition of the Winter Olympics.
00:10It runs from February 6th to February 22nd, 2026.
00:16And here's the twist.
00:18Unlike traditional Olympics that take place in one main city, this one will span across
00:24multiple regions in northern Italy.
00:26Milan, Italy's fashion and business capital, will host most ice events like figure skating,
00:34hockey and short track speed skating.
00:37Meanwhile, Cortina d'Ampezzo, a charming alpine town known for its ski slopes, will host mountain
00:44and sliding events like alpine skiing, bobsleigh and luge.
00:49This dual host concept combines Italy's urban elegance with its natural alpine beauty.
00:57And of course, every Olympics needs its mascots.
01:01And for 2026, they're absolutely adorable.
01:06Meet Tina and Milo, two stoats, one from Cortina and one from Milan.
01:15So, where exactly will the action take place?
01:17In Milan, the iconic San Siro Stadium.
01:20Usually home to AC Milan and Inter Milan, will host the spectacular opening ceremony.
01:26Meanwhile, the closing ceremony will unfold in Verona's ancient Roman arena, a breathtaking
01:312,000-year-old amphitheater.
01:33Across the mountains, Cortina's refurbished sliding track, the Cortina Sliding Center, will host
01:40bobsleigh, skeleton and luge races.
01:43Livigno, another alpine gem, will welcome snowboarders and freestyle skiers.
01:48While Antarselva, famous for biathlon, will see the world's best shooters and skiers compete.
01:54All of this creates one of the most geographically diverse Winter Olympics in history.
02:02The Milano-Cortina Games will feature 116 medal events across 16 winter sports.
02:08But here's something new.
02:09A sport making its Olympic debut.
02:12Ski Mountaineering, or SkiMo.
02:15In SkiMo, athletes race uphill on skis, switch to climbing mode, and then race back down.
02:22A true test of endurance and versatility.
02:25Around 2,900 athletes from nearly 90 countries are expected to compete, continuing the Olympic
02:31tradition of uniting the world through sport, snow, and sheer skill.
02:39But these Olympics are not just about sports.
02:41They're about sustainability.
02:44In fact, 93% of the venues are existing or temporary structures.
02:49Instead of building massive new arenas, Italy is reusing historic facilities and natural landscapes.
02:56This approach cuts down construction waste, saves costs, and reduces the environmental footprint,
03:03setting a new standard for how future Olympic Games could be hosted.
03:07It's not just sustainable.
03:09It's smart.
03:10Public transport systems are being upgraded, electric shuttles will link key venues,
03:15and local communities are being involved to share the economic benefits.
03:20The motto of Milano Cortina 2026 says it all.
03:25It's your vibe.
03:26A celebration of modern Italy blending innovation, culture, and sport.
03:35Every Olympics begins with a journey.
03:38The Olympic torch relay.
03:40The 2026 relay will start in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics, in November 2025.
03:48It will travel through hundreds of Italian towns and cities, covering nearly 12,000 kilometers,
03:54before reaching Milan on February 6, 2026.
03:58Expect stunning visuals, cultural showcases, and plenty of Italian flair as the flame travels from the
04:05Mediterranean to the Alps.
04:07Then, under the lights of San Siro Stadium, the flame will ignite the Olympic cauldron,
04:13marking the official start of the Games.
04:18So what makes this edition truly special?
04:20For one, it's Italy's third Winter Olympics, following Cortina
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