The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games promise to be an unforgettable edition, not only because of the mix of Italian venues and their enormous global impact, but also because they combine new stars arriving on fire with established athletes looking to write the last chapter of their career.
The competition will be held from February 6 to 22, 2026, with events starting on February 4, according to the official event schedule. And if you live in the United States, these names are perfect to follow: many of them could become a trend because of their stories, their style and their potential to climb the podium.
Freestyle skiing: Flora and Miro Tabanelli
Italy will have plenty of reasons to get excited about siblings Flora and Miro Tabanelli, two talents who are changing the landscape of acrobatic skiing.
Flora Tabanelli, just 17 years old during her international explosion, closed a dream season by becoming 2025 Big Air World Champion.
In addition to winning the Big Air Crystal Globe at the World Cup.
His name is already associated with consistent podium finishes and extremely difficult performances.
His brother, Miro Tabanelli, also made history by winning the Big Air event in Tignes, signing a perfect night for Italy and confirming that his name represents a new generation.
Figure skating: Ilia Malinin and Alysa Liu
In figure skating, the United States will have the spotlight on Ilia Malinin, recognized worldwide for his technical level and for marking a new era in quadruple jumps.
He will arrive at the Winter Olympics with the pressure (and the opportunity) to establish himself as the man to beat.
In the women’s field, the most powerful comeback is that of Alysa Liu, who returned after a long absence from the sport and achieved what seemed impossible:
Win the 2025 World Championship, becoming the first U.S. world champion in nearly two decades.
His story is one of the most inspiring in the run-up to 2026.
Speed Skating: Jordan Stoltz and Arianna Fontana
In sprinting, American Jordan Stoltz is considered the great young figure of the moment for his dominance in key events.
As well as for his ability to compete at the highest level despite his young age.
On the Italian side, Arianna Fontana will be the great local legend:
She is the most successful short track skater in Olympic history, with 11 Olympic medals, and the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics could be her perfect closing in front of her home crowd.
Curling: Niklas Edin and Anna Hasselborg
In curling, Sweden arrives with two historic names:
Niklas Edin, Beijing 2022 Olympic champion and one of the leaders of the modern era
And Anna Hasselborg, Olympic champion in 2018 and benchmark of consistency in international tournaments.
The competition will be held from February 6 to 22, 2026
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Skeleton: Christopher Grotheer and Tabitha Stoecker
In skeleton, Germany’s Christopher Grotheer starts as one of the most feared rivals after his Olympic gold in 2022 and his dominance in recent championships.
And if you are looking for a different story, British Tabitha Stoecker stands out for her meteoric rise and unusual path:
Her previous training in gymnastics and circus has been key to her style, and she has already achieved important results in the international circuit.
For the U.S. Hispanic community, these Olympic Winter Games will be ideal for families to enjoy and follow athletes with unique stories:
From youngsters who could cause a surprise, to champions who are looking to say goodbye with glory.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
