Following the spectacle of athletes parading through the historic San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, waving their respective nations flags and the ceremonious lighting of Olympic flame. The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic games have kicked off and are scheduled to take place until Feb. 22. With over 2000 athletes representing 90 different countries, the Olympics truly are an international stage, in which some of the world’s most talented athletes all compete for the opportunity to represent their country with pride.
Part of what makes the Olympics such an incredible event is the rich history behind the games, with first recorded games taking place in 776 BC in Olympia, Greece. Establishing a tradition, that would go on to last until the first modern rendition of the Olympics as we know them now, took place in Athens, Greece, in 1896. Since then, the Summer Olympic games have traveled around the world with more than 23 cities and 20 countries hosting the summer games. Paris, France being the most recent host. 21 cities and 13 different countries have hosted the Winter Olympic games dating back to 1924.
During each rendition of the games, each host city/country has a unique opportunity to showcase their culture and historical significance on a global stage. This draws in millions of international travelers throughout the duration of the event to watch these premier athletes compete on the international stage.
Outside of the incredible sporting feats that takes place every time that Olympic Athletes compete on the global stage, there is an incredibly powerful message that resonates throughout the world and is symbolized by the Olympic rings. The five interlocking rings of blue, yellow, black, green, and red on a white background represents the union of the five inhabited continents throughout the world. Signifying, unity and friendship that is catalyzed by sport. Highlighting the great importance behind the Olympic games, despite a seemingly never-ending supply of tyranny and conflict going on throughout the world, we still have the power and ability to come together and hold value in competing on an international stage.
For these reasons, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) strictly prohibits political messaging or propaganda on Olympic venues because that undermines the entire purpose of the games. A safe space for athletes to compete on an international stage and represent the unification of different people throughout the globe.
With respects to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, you can find comprehensive coverage on Team USA and their competing athletes on NBC and Peacock as the United States seeks to continue building upon and cement their legacy on a global stage as one of the premier pools of athletic talent. With over 200 athletes competing in a variety of sporting events, we will all watch attentively to see who will strive for gold and take home the ultimate prize at this year’s Winter Olympic games.
Daniel Silva is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at daniel.a.[email protected].
