“Utah Athletes Shine as Milan-Cortina Olympics Begin”
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, commenced on February 5, 2026, marked by a grand opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro Stadium. The event featured renowned musicians such as Andrea Bocelli and Mariah Carey, along with dignitaries from various fields, celebrating the arrival of thousands of athletes from around the globe. A significant highlight was the lighting of two Olympic cauldrons, one in Milan and one in Cortina, which is a historic first for the Winter Games.
Utah Athletes Shine at the 2026 Winter Olympics
This year, Utah athletes play a pivotal role in the Winter Olympics. Erin Jackson, a resident of Utah and a short track speedskater, proudly carried the American flag during the opening ceremony. This marks her third Olympic appearance. Jackson made history as the first Black woman to secure an individual gold medal in Olympic speedskating, achieving this feat at the Beijing 2022 Games.
Training at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns, Jackson expresses gratitude for the support she has received in Utah: “It’s a community that understands athletes,” she stated. Alongside her in the procession were fellow Utah ties, including Kristen Santos-Griswold, a speedskater who moved to Salt Lake City, and Fayik Abdi, the first athlete from Saudi Arabia to compete in the Winter Olympics.
Veterans and Rising Stars in Olympic Events
Park City’s Lindsey Vonn, a veteran in alpine skiing, is aiming for a comeback at the age of 41. Recently, she tested her healing left knee, which underwent ACL surgery following an injury. Despite this setback, Vonn completed a training run, finishing with a time that places her close to her teammate Jacqueline Wiles, a leading contender for medals in the upcoming women’s downhill event.
While downhill skiing is about to begin, earlier competitions in curling and figure skating are already in progress. The United States women’s hockey team opened their tournament with a decisive 5-1 victory against Czechia. Hilary Knight, captain of the team and a burgeoning star in the NHL’s Utah Mammoth, aims to promote hockey to young athletes in Utah.
Looking Ahead in the Competition
- Erin Jackson: Olympic speedskating standout from Utah, first Black woman to win Olympic gold in speedskating.
- Lindsey Vonn: Three-time Olympic medalist attempting a comeback from a recent knee injury.
- Hilary Knight: U.S. hockey captain, advocating for the growth of women’s hockey in Utah.
As Utah athletes take center stage, their contributions are making a substantial impact at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. With competitions just beginning, fans eagerly await more thrilling performances from these incredible competitors.
