The Winter Olympic Games 2026 have officially started in Italy, and the competitive program for the Ukrainian team will be opened by freestyler Kateryna Kotsar. The Ukrainian's debut at the Games will take place on February 7 in the slopestyle qualification. This is reported by Suspilne.
The 25-year-old athlete became the first in the history of Ukraine to qualify for the Olympics in two disciplines of freestyle - slopestyle and big air. The qualification competitions in women's slopestyle will begin on Saturday at 11:30 Kyiv time, and this start will be the first for the Ukrainian team at the Games.
Kateryna Kotsar approaches the Olympics in the best shape of her career. In the current season, she won her debut medal in the World Cup - silver in big air. Before the start, the athlete completed three training sessions in Livigno and noted the high level and difficulty of the Olympic course.
Olympic Games 2026: Ukraine's start in freestyle
According to Kotsar, the course in Livigno is challenging primarily in terms of endurance. It consists of seven sections - four rails and three jumps, which require constant concentration and quick transitions between elements.
Olympics 2026: What is known about Kotsar's first start
The athlete describes the final of the Olympic season as special, as for her, the very fact of the Ukrainian flag appearing in the start lists of slopestyle and big air is a significant achievement. Suspilne Sport noted that they will broadcast the Olympic competition live on their platforms.
Key facts about the Ukrainian's start at the Olympics 2026:
- Kateryna Kotsar - a debutante of the Winter Olympic Games;
- the first Ukrainian qualified in slopestyle and big air;
- qualification in slopestyle - February 7 at 11:30;
- the 2025/26 season has been the most successful in her career.
Let us remind you that the Vice President of the USA, J.D. Vance attended the opening of the Olympics 2026.