Christine Brennan Highlights Winter Olympics Athletes to Watch on ‘Settle In’
The 2026 Winter Olympics have officially kicked off with a grand Opening Ceremony in Milan, Italy, and Cortina d’Ampezzo. This remarkable event features around 2,800 athletes from over 90 nations, uniting in a celebration of sportsmanship amidst a globally uncertain backdrop.
Podcast Episode: Insights into the Winter Olympics
The latest episode of the podcast “Settle In” focuses on the Winter Olympics, highlighting standout athletes and crucial storylines. Amna Nawaz interviewed Christine Brennan from USA Today, who shared her insights before heading to Italy.
Key Athletes to Watch
- Mikaela Shiffrin: At only 30 years old, Shiffrin is renowned for her past Olympic success but faced a challenging 2022 Olympics. Despite this, she remains a significant figure in women’s skiing.
- Ilia Malinin: Known as the “Quad God,” this 21-year-old is a front-runner for the men’s figure skating gold. He made headlines for landing seven quadruple jumps in a single program, setting a new record in the sport.
- Alysa Liu: The reigning world champion, Liu made history by becoming the youngest U.S. woman to win a national championship at age 13. After stepping back from the sport at 16, she returned and is poised to leave her mark at the Olympics.
Historical Context and Expectations
Christine Brennan highlighted the potential of the U.S. figure skating team, suggesting it could be one of the best in history. The last time an American man and woman won gold in the same Olympics was in the 1960s.
Political Climate at the Games
As the world watches, some wonder if the Olympics will reflect current geopolitical tensions. Questions arise about the reception American athletes may face during the ceremonies. Brennan expressed uncertainty, noting that, historically, athletes are often separated from political sentiments.
With high stakes and compelling narratives, the 2026 Winter Olympics promises to deliver unforgettable moments. For a detailed exploration and more updates, listeners can tune into “Settle In” on Filmogaz.com or their preferred podcast platforms.
