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Games open across four Italian venues
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially began Friday with an ambitious opening ceremony spanning Milan, Cortina, Livigno and Predazzo. Organizers hailed the event as flawless despite logistical challenges.
Dual cauldrons and star performances
Two Olympic flames were lit simultaneously in Milan and Cortina, bookending a program that featured Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli singing Nessun Dorma as the torch entered Milan's San Siro stadium. American pop icon Mariah Carey followed with a glittering rendition of Volare, dressed in white sequins.
A segment titled "Italian beauty" paid homage to late fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who died in 2025 at age 91. The ceremony also spotlighted opera legends Verdi, Puccini and Rossini through theatrical vignettes.
Athlete parade draws mixed reactions
Italy's delegation received the loudest cheers across all four locations, with Ukraine and the United States also earning warm applause. In contrast, boos greeted appearances of U.S. Vice President JD Vance and the Israeli and Georgian teams on stadium screens.
Great Britain's flag was carried by figure skater Lilah Fear in Milan and bobsledder Brad Hall in Cortina. Czech athletes stood out in vibrant national costumes during the procession.
Historic firsts and Olympic messages
International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, the first woman to open the Games, declared:
"Through you, we see the very best of ourselves. You remind us that we can be brave, kind, and resilient."
Organizing committee chief Giovanni Malagò praised the ceremony as proof of Italy's ability to execute complex projects, calling it a "powerful expression of unity."
Competition timeline
While curling, figure skating and ice hockey matches started earlier, the first five gold medals will be awarded Saturday. The Games run through February 22 across 116 events.
BBC will provide live streams, radio coverage and digital updates for UK audiences throughout the event.
