As we near the 2026 Winter Olympics, predictions about the events are surfacing. This year, the Olympics will take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The events will be split between the two cities, giving the Games the official name Milano Cortina 2026.
Some new mixed team events, such as Ski Mountaineering and Dual Moguls, are making their Olympic debuts in 2026. These additions will make for an exciting Winter Games, especially because Milano Cortina 2026 is projected to be the most gender-balanced Olympic Winter Games in history. Contrary to previous years, it will feature 12 out of 16 events with full gender parity, a new Olympic record. An article published by the International Olympic Committee comments on the new gender balance, stating, “women will compete in a Winter Games–record 53.4% of all events.” Additionally, four women’s events are being introduced, as well as a new policy that sets the distances men and women race in cross country skiing to be equal. The increase of gender equality marks a huge turning point in the Olympic Games.
With every Olympic games comes history, shocks, Cinderella stories, and upsets, so here are four notable athletes and teams to keep an eye on throughout the competition:
Linsdey Vonn Makes a Comeback: One of the early surprises came before the games even started, when Lindsey Vonn announced she would be coming out of retirement in hopes of competing in her fourth Winter Olympics. This American alpine ski racer has 82 World Cup victories, four overall World Cup titles, and three Olympic medals, making her one of the most decorated skiers in history. After a comeback in December 2025, Vonn earned her 83rd World Cup victory, making her the oldest female World Cup winner. As a result of her triumphant win, Lindsey Vonn earned a spot to compete in the 2026 Olympics. Get excited to watch Lindsey Vonn rip up the slopes once again, but this time at Milano Cortina!
Canadian Hockey – Can They Win it All?: With the 2025–2026 NHL season full of more than enough Canadian superstars, there is a lot of discourse over who will be selected for this Olympics. Some familiar faces like Sidney Crosby and new stars like Macklin Celebrini are representing Canada as they begin their journey to the top of the podium. With a win at the Four Nations tournament in 2025, can Canada win it all at the Olympics?
Chloe Kim’s Injury: Chloe Kim, an American snowboarding prodigy, had a rough start to the 2026 season. She revealed on Instagram that she tore her labrum, rendering her unable to compete until right before the Olympics. Some critics and fans worry that she will not be able to perform to her full potential and fall short of earning her third straight gold medal.
Macuga Family Looking To Make History: The skiing genes in this family are strong, as three sisters look to make their mark in the Olympics this year. Lauren, Alli, and Sam Macuga are an alpine, mogul, and ski jumper sister trio who are aiming to add their names to the list of family victories at the Olympics this year. Will they live up to the hype?
This article also appears in our January 2026 print edition.
