The 2026 Winter Olympic Games
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be hosted by Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, commencing on February 4, 2026. A total of 116 medal events across 16 sports are scheduled, with 50 events for women and 12 mixed-gender competitions. These Games will be notable for the debut of several new events, including:
- Ski mountaineering
- Dual moguls in freestyle skiing
- Women's monobob in bobsleigh
- Women's large hill in ski jumping
- Mixed team skeleton
In alpine skiing, the combined event will become a team competition.
Ukraine's Team and the Opening Days of Competition
Ukraine will be represented by a delegation of 46 athletes competing in 11 sports, ranking 20th in team size among participating nations. Notably, the NHL has agreed to release its players for the Games, which could significantly impact the competition in the ice hockey tournament.
The first days of the Games promise a packed schedule of events. On February 4, the preliminary round of the mixed doubles curling competition begins, featuring teams from Sweden, South Korea, Great Britain, Norway, Canada, the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Switzerland. February 5 will see the continuation of curling and the start of the women's ice hockey tournament, with opening matches including:
- Sweden vs. Germany
- Italy vs. France
- United States vs. Czech Republic
February 6 is scheduled for the figure skating team event, encompassing ice dance, pairs, and women's singles. Curling competitions continue, and in ice hockey, France will face Japan. These opening days are set to deliver thrilling contests and memorable moments for spectators worldwide.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo will mark a significant moment for the international sporting community, as the introduction of new events highlights the ongoing evolution of winter sports.
Ukraine's participation with 46 athletes underscores the nation's growing ambitions on the global stage. For fans, the Games offer the prospect of compelling athletic drama and potential new milestones in the country's sporting history.