Milano Cortina 2026: Italy’s dual-host Games at the heart of winter sport
Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, known as 'RikuRyu,' have won Japan's first Olympic gold in pair skating at the Milan Cortina Games. They initially finished fifth after an error but made a dramatic comeback with a world-record free skate, ending their career with a victory and announcing their retirement. They aim to promote pair skating in Japan.
Lindsey Vonn has undergone eight surgeries after a severe left-leg fracture from the Cortina race. She faces at least one more operation to repair a torn ACL. A return to racing is likely a year and a half away if she continues, while retirement remains on the table. She is focusing on healing and maintaining mobility as she considers her future.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has formed a Lake Placid–New York City exploratory committee to assess a potential 2042 Winter Games, using existing venues and a multi-city model similar to Milano-C Cortina. The panel, chaired by Ashley Walden, will evaluate logistics, finances, and community engagement over roughly a year, though officials stress no bid has been launched yet.