sports
February 22, 2026
How Italians fell in love with their Winter Olympics after gaffes turned into gold
After a slow start, when the hosts began to pick up medals in the second week the public’s imagination was captured
TL;DR
- The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics experienced a slow start but gained public interest as Italy began winning medals.
- Over 1.27 million spectators attended by the event's midway point, with venues at 85% capacity.
- The geographically scattered Games presented logistical challenges for organizers and spectators.
- Italian public broadcasters, like Rai, recorded high viewership figures for sports like skiing and curling.
- The success of Italian competitors, who won over 26 medals, fueled national interest.
- The Games were not without controversy, including protests against security details and government policies.
- There were suspected sabotage attacks on railway networks, claimed by Italian anarchists.
- The far-right government aimed to use the Games as a showcase for Italy, passing a new security bill.
- Political controversy initially flared but attention shifted to the sport.
- Organizers hope the Games will provide a much-needed economic boost and positive legacy for Italy.
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