2026 Olympic Games: Italian president declares Milano-Cortina Winter Games officially open

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Coventry addresses Olympians directly.

"Over the next two weeks, you're going to give us something truly special," Coventry said. 

"You'll show us what it means to be human, to dream, to overcome, to respect one another, to care for each other. You'll show us that strength isn't just about winning, it's about courage."

Coventry praised Italy's "dedication, creativity and teamwork" in hosting this year's Winter Games.

It's the first opening ceremony address from Coventry, a five-time Olympian in swimming.

She became the first female president when she was elected last year. She’s also the second-youngest IOC president, and the first from Africa.

“When we see an athlete stumble and find the strength to rise, we are reminded that we can do the same,” Coventry told the crowd in Milan.

“When we see rivals embrace at the end of a finish line, we are reminded that we can choose respect. When we see grace, courage and friendship, we remember the kind of people we all want to be. The spirit of the Olympic Games is about so much more than sport. It is about us, and what makes us human.”

The speech by Milano Cortina 2026 organizing committee president Giovanni Malago highlights the fact that these Winter Games are the most gender-balanced ever. 

He says Italy's geographic beauty does not belong to the nation, but to history and that it is the country's responsibility to preserve it. 

A former athlete himself, Malago told the athletes: "These Games belong to you."

He made a nod to geopolitical tensions as well. 

"At a time when so much of the world is divided by so much conflict, your very presence demonstrates that another world is possible," he said.

I imagine the mountain-based athletes in this Olympics really appreciate not having to travel all the way into the city to march with their nation, only to spend hours getting back. 

Travel at the Games can be challenging. I know at some previous Olympics, athletes were taken to the opening ceremony venue hours before the march-in. It makes for a long and taxing day. 

That’s why the athletes who have already experienced an opening ceremony at a previous Games often sit the next ones out. 

Official speeches are underway.

For those wondering what the athletes do after they’ve marched into the stadium, the answer is, well, not much. Take photos and video, meet athletes from other countries you want to trade hats or jackets with, eat the snack you brought … it's a lot of hurry up and wait. 

If we had a wider shot we'd probably be seeing a bunch of marchers sneaking out of the stadium because once you’ve done your lap, the fun part is over. 

Also, sleep is important, especially if your event starts in the next few days.

All of the delegations' flags are now being brought together around the central podium for the official welcome from Giovanni Malagò, president of the organizing committee for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games Milano Cortina 2026, and IOC president Coventry. 

No, that wasn't a mic issue — this is a lesson in Italian gestures "for athletes and a foreign audience," according to the organizing committee. In Italy, gestures are an integral part of communication to emphasize emotions or really drive a point home.

The song Impacciatore and others just danced to is Prisencolinensinainciusol from 1972 by Adriano Celentano. 

It's famous for sounding like English but actually being gibberish. You can watch Celentano perform it here. 

Oh, and it's a bop.

With the parade done, the ceremony is moving into a musical celebration. White Lotus star Sabrina Impacciatore stars in an animated video about the past 100 years of the Winter Olympics. 

The internet is still divided on the country with the best Olympic outfit, but many BlueSky users are giving the gold to the country escorts leading out each team, who are sporting silver puffers and black ski-goggle shades.

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