-
Italy is advancing its preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina and Milan, with a major test event at the reconstructed Cortina track and a historic torch relay. The event includes the first major test of the new venue, which is still under construction, and highlights Italy’s commitment despite IOC concerns.
-
As of December 2025, Russian athletes have been reinstated to compete under their national flag in judo starting with the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, reversing previous neutral status imposed after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian and Belarusian athletes meeting IOC criteria will compete as neutrals at the 2026 Winter Olympics following a court ruling overturning FIS's ban. Ukrainian diver Lyskun's switch to Russian citizenship has sparked controversy and disciplinary threats.
-
The IOC announced that youth athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports can compete under their national flags at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics, relaxing restrictions amid ongoing tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The move signals a shift in policy, but some federations remain cautious.
-
Recent revelations and disputes among top figure skaters highlight tensions within the sport. Gabriella Papadakis's memoir details her troubled partnership with Guillaume Cizeron, while US skaters Efimova and Mitrofanov miss the Olympics due to citizenship issues. The stories reveal underlying conflicts and the impact of bureaucracy on athletes' careers.
-
The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games are underway, with athletes competing across multiple sites. Organizers have invested heavily in snowmaking technology and water reservoirs to ensure consistent conditions amid climate change. Some Russian and Belarusian athletes are competing as neutral athletes, with restrictions on media appearances. The event runs from Feb 4-22.
-
The Asian Winter Games scheduled for Saudi Arabia in 2029 have been postponed, with no new date announced. The delay follows issues with infrastructure projects and environmental concerns. Saudi Arabia will instead host standalone winter sports events to promote regional participation, as part of its broader sports ambitions.
-
Protests in Iran, initially over economic hardship, have grown into a major challenge to the Shiite theocracy. Authorities have responded with mass arrests, internet shutdowns, and deadly force, killing thousands. The unrest marks Iran's most serious threat to its regime in nearly five decades.
-
The 2026 Winter Olympics village in Milan and Cortina is housing 1,400 athletes and team members. The Cortina site features trailers with basic amenities, decorated by athletes, and shared spaces for relaxation. The Milan village, opening Monday, includes fitness and social areas, and will host 1,500 participants.
-
Protesters in Milan demonstrated against the presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the Winter Olympics, calling for their removal amid concerns over US immigration policies. US officials assured the agents will operate only within diplomatic missions, but protests and political criticism persist.
-
Finland's women's hockey game against Canada was postponed to February 12 after a norovirus outbreak left 13 players in quarantine. Switzerland's team also faces isolation after one player tested positive. The outbreaks have disrupted scheduled matches, raising health concerns at the Winter Olympics.
-
During the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife faced jeers from the crowd, amid protests over U.S. immigration policies linked to ICE. Israeli athletes also faced boos, reflecting geopolitical tensions spilling into the Games.
-
On the first full day of the Winter Olympics in Milan, protests against the Games turned violent, with clashes between police and demonstrators. Sabotage of railway infrastructure caused delays, and protests also targeted Israel and US immigration policies. Authorities launched a terrorism investigation into the railway sabotage.
-
Flag football is rapidly expanding in popularity, backed by the NFL, NCAA, and IOC. It is progressing through NCAA programs, gaining Olympic recognition, and promoting inclusivity, especially for women and youth, amid a broader cultural shift towards contactless sports.
-
Swedish skier Elis Lundholm, who was assigned female at birth and identifies as male, competed in women's moguls at the Milano Cortina Games. NBC misgendered him during coverage, but he remains the first openly transgender athlete at a Winter Olympics, competing under IOC rules. He finished 25th.
-
Canada has expanded its gun control measures following recent mass shootings, including a ban on over 2,500 assault-style firearms, a gun buyback program, and a handgun freeze. The government aims to reduce gun violence through comprehensive reforms, with ongoing legal settlements related to a 2022 attack in Buffalo, New York.
-
Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Milano Cortina Olympics after refusing to remove a helmet bearing images of Ukrainian war victims. The IOC cited non-compliance with athlete expression guidelines, despite Heraskevych's intent to protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The decision highlights ongoing tensions over political expression at the Games.
-
A video at the Milan Winter Olympics shows a store employee shouting 'Free Palestine' at Israeli fans, prompting police action and removal. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and antisemitic behavior linked to political conflicts, with calls for accountability and discussion on conduct at international events. The story is current as of Feb 14, 2026.