What's happened
The torch relay for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics started in Rome, covering 12,000 km across Italy with 10,001 torch bearers. The event included protests and low ticket sales, with some venues still under construction. The Games are set for February 2026 amid ongoing logistical challenges.
What's behind the headline?
The start of the torch relay highlights Italy's efforts to showcase regional pride and promote the Olympics amid logistical and political challenges. The protests and low ticket sales reflect public skepticism, possibly influenced by broader geopolitical issues like the Gaza conflict and Russian athlete bans. Despite these hurdles, the relay's extensive route and high-profile participants aim to generate momentum. The event underscores the importance of sport as a unifying force, but also exposes the fragility of the Games' planning. The success of the Olympics will depend on how well organizers address venue readiness and public engagement in the coming months.
What the papers say
AP News reports detail the start of the relay, protests, and logistical issues, emphasizing the scale of the event and public sentiment. The Independent provides context on the regional celebrations and key participants, highlighting the cultural significance and logistical hurdles. The coverage from AP also notes the ongoing venue preparations and international political backdrop, including the impact of global conflicts and diplomatic tensions on the Games' organization.
How we got here
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be hosted across northern Italy, with events in Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and other locations. The torch relay, a key tradition, involves thousands of participants and celebrates regional culture. Organizers face logistical hurdles, including incomplete venues and low domestic ticket sales, but remain optimistic about the event's success.
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