The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games have provided numerous memorable moments, vividly captured through a collection of photographs showcasing athletes, ceremonies, and competition highlights from the first days of the event.
On Monday, February 9, notable images featured Canadian freestyle skier Megan Oldham warming up ahead of the women’s slopestyle final, and Swiss curler Briar Schwaller-Huerlimann competing in a mixed doubles match against Canada. Skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych of Ukraine was photographed during training at the Cortina Sliding Centre, while Switzerland’s Mathilde Gremaud celebrated her victory in the women’s freeski slopestyle final at Livigno Snow Park. Additionally, the United States’ River Radamus was captured being followed by a drone during the men’s team combined slalom at the Stelvio Alpine Skiing Centre.
The previous day, Sunday, February 8, featured the USA’s Ilia Malinin performing a somersault during his figure skating routine in the team event. The women’s parallel giant slalom event produced dynamic imagery through fixed-camera shots at Livigno Snow Park. Austria’s Riccardo Martin Schoepf and Juri Thomas Gatt practiced on the luge track in Cortina d’Ampezzo. American skier Lindsey Vonn was also photographed being airlifted after an accident during the women’s downhill skiing event. Biathletes prepared for the 4x6km mixed relay in Antholz-Anterselva, adding to the diversity of winter sports showcased.
On the opening day, Saturday, February 7, Australia’s Jakara Anthony performed a flip during freestyle skiing moguls at Livigno Air Park. Germany’s Felix Loch was seen competing in men’s luge, and the Czech ski jumper Klara Ulrichova was captured in action at Val di Fiemme. Slovenian ski jumper Nika Prevc was photographed jumping over the iconic Olympic rings at the same venue.
The opening ceremony on Friday, February 6, was marked by spectacular visuals including fireworks bursting from the Olympic rings at the San Siro stadium. Two aerial performers were suspended midair as part of the show. Renowned singer Mariah Carey delivered a performance, complementing the occasion’s artistic elements. Models showcased designs by Giorgio Armani, while performers created imagery evoking the Milky Way, contributing to the ceremony’s overall aesthetic impact.
These photographs collectively provide an evocative representation of the Winter Olympics’ early days, reflecting the athletes’ dedication, the events’ intensity, and the cultural pageantry of the Games. All images are licensed by Getty Images and highlight the breadth of competition and celebration at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
