Who Are the Must-Follow Stars at Milan-Cortina 2026: Vonn, Gu, and Malinin?

As the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach, around 2,900 athletes from over 90 countries are set to compete in thrilling events ranging from skiing to figure skating. Among the standout stars are Lindsey Vonn, aiming for a comeback despite injury, and Mikaela Shiffrin, one of the greatest alpine skiers in history. This article explores key athletes, their stories, and what to expect from this spectacular sporting event.

Last updated: 07 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled to begin on 6 February 2026, are generating excitement as athletes prepare for competition. With events covering a variety of winter sports, the Games promise thrilling performances, emotional stories, and significant breakthroughs for many athletes. The return of NHL athletes after a hiatus further adds to the competitive landscape, making this a pivotal moment for many teams and fans alike.

Key takeaways

• Over 2,900 athletes from 90+ countries will compete.
• Lindsey Vonn aims to compete despite a serious injury.
• Mikaela Shiffrin seeks redemption after a challenging experience in Beijing.
• New sports like ski mountaineering debut at these Olympics.
• The NHL is allowing its players to participate for the first time since 2014.

Timeline: how we got here

Key milestones leading to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics include:

• 6–22 February 2026: The official event dates for the Milan-Cortina Games.
• 2018: The last Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, where no NHL players participated.
• 2022: The Beijing Winter Olympics faced challenges with injuries and absence of NHL stars.
• 2023: Lindsey Vonn announces her comeback attempt, despite a serious injury.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As the Games approach, athletes like Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin are making headlines. Vonn's recent injury raises questions about her participation, while Shiffrin aims to overcome past disappointments in Olympic competitions.

What was already established

Many athletes are known for their previous Olympic performances, such as Chloe Kim and Francesco Friedrich, who are both strong contenders for medals. New events like ski mountaineering are expected to attract attention as they debut at these Games.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As the Olympics approach, UK viewers can expect increased media coverage and excitement surrounding winter sports. The event will also impact tourism in Italy, drawing British fans to support their teams.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses in Milan and Cortina may see boosts in trade from increased tourism. Additionally, UK businesses involved in sports broadcasting and merchandising could benefit from heightened interest in the Games.

Policy and regulation

The UK government may engage in discussions surrounding sports funding and support for winter sports athletes as the Games draw nearer. Public interest in Olympic policies could lead to increased scrutiny and support for athletes.

Numbers that matter

• 2,900 athletes expected to compete.
• 90+ countries participating.
• 16-time world champion Francesco Friedrich aims for a historic third consecutive Olympic gold.
• 108 World Cup wins by Mikaela Shiffrin, solidifying her status as a skiing legend.
• Seven consecutive wins for Emily Harrop in ski mountaineering before the Olympics.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Ski mountaineering: A sport that combines skiing and mountaineering, involving uphill and downhill skiing on snow-covered mountain terrain.
• NHL: National Hockey League, the professional ice hockey league in North America.
• Halfpipe: A U-shaped structure used in snowboarding and skiing for performing tricks and jumps.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the opening ceremonies approach, athletes will continue final preparations, training, and injury management. Fans should stay tuned for updates on key athletes like Vonn and Shiffrin.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Expect to see increased media coverage and fan engagement as the Games draw closer. Athletes will be monitored for injuries and their readiness as the competition dates approach.

Signals to watch

• Updates on athlete participation, particularly those with injuries.
• Media previews and coverage of training sessions.
• Announcements about ticket sales and events schedule.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay updated on athlete news and training schedules.
• Engage with local events or viewing parties for the Olympics.
• Explore opportunities to support British athletes through merchandise and donations.

Don’t

• Don’t overlook the impact of injuries on athletes' performances.
• Don’t assume that past performance guarantees future success.
• Don’t ignore the significance of new sports and emerging athletes.

Checklist

• Follow your favourite athletes on social media for real-time updates.
• Check the event schedule for viewing options.
• Consider supporting local businesses that engage with the Olympics.
• Stay informed on Olympic-related news and developments.
• Be aware of athlete stories and backgrounds for a deeper connection to the Games.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While many athletes are gearing up for the Games, uncertainties remain regarding injuries and qualifications. With athletes like Lindsey Vonn facing serious injuries, their capacity to compete is still in question, and ongoing developments may change participation statuses. Additionally, the geopolitical situation may influence athlete representations, especially concerning Russian and Belarusian competitors.

Bottom line

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics hold great promise for thrilling competition and inspiring stories. With a diverse range of athletes and new events, the Games are set to capture the imagination of fans worldwide. As preparations continue, keeping abreast of developments will enhance the viewing experience, especially for UK audiences eager to cheer on their athletes.

FAQs

What is the significance of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics?

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are significant as they feature new sports, returning NHL athletes, and a diverse range of competitors from over 90 countries. This event showcases winter sports on a global stage.

Who are the top athletes to watch at Milan-Cortina 2026?

Top athletes to watch include Lindsey Vonn, Mikaela Shiffrin, Chloe Kim, and Francesco Friedrich, each with impressive records and compelling stories that add to the excitement of the Games.

How will the Olympics impact UK viewers?

The Olympics will significantly impact UK viewers through increased media coverage, engagement with winter sports, and opportunities to support British athletes, enhancing national pride and interest in winter competitions.