Chris Jones provides insights from Italy as the Milano Cortina Olympics approach.
As we approach Cortina, a glimpse of the past Winter Olympics emerges: the silent ski jump from 1956, its structure intact, now transformed into a soccer field. The site exudes a haunting beauty, evoking memories of past sporting triumphs. Reflecting on the simpler pleasures that once graced this location warms the heart.
In the bygone era, Cortina hosted the entire Winter Games with a modest 32 countries participating. Figure skating took place outdoors for the final time, against a backdrop of majestic mountains. While television was gaining traction, the essence of the Olympics remained rooted in the live, in-person experience.
The 2026 Winter Olympics, jointly hosted by Cortina, Milan, and various other locations in northern Italy, present a significant challenge in their execution, designed as a grand spectacle for television audiences worldwide.
In Milan’s Piazza del Duomo, a countdown clock marks the days until the commencement of the Olympics. The atmosphere is one of urgency, with locals seemingly racing against time rather than eagerly anticipating the event. Discussions among residents often revolve around the ongoing construction delays at the Milano Santagiulia hockey arena, overshadowing any excitement for the upcoming games.
In picturesque Cortina, set to host curling, sliding sports, and women’s Alpine events, a similar sense of last-minute hustle prevails. The air is filled with the sounds of ongoing construction, and concerns linger, as in previous years, regarding the adequacy of snow cover on its renowned slopes.
Yet, amidst the flurry of activity, the town exudes a more vibrant and optimistic air compared to Milan. Colorful banners adorn every corner, paying homage to the 1956 games while celebrating the upcoming 2026 Olympics.
While Milan may require a leap of faith to envision a successful Olympics, in Cortina, a positive outcome seems within reach with just a slight squint of the eyes.
The Stadio Olimpico del Ghiacco, serving as the curling venue, is a revamped version of the 1956 hockey rink. Despite ongoing refurbishments, the venue was still surrounded by construction debris this week, with trucks and workers in orange safety gear blocking the entrance.
The building’s modern design, a blend of copper and wood, retains its allure under the sun’s rays.
The bobsled track at the sliding center, situated on the site of the original 1956 track, is fully operational. While the surrounding spectator facilities are still under construction — evident from earthmoving activities this week — the track has already hosted World Cup events.
Due to its historical significance, the track offers a challenging yet intellectually stimulating experience for modern sliders, favoring technical prowess over brute force, unlike in the past.