As Ukrainian athletes prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics, they will seek to boost the morale of their compatriots in Ukraine amid an ongoing war and a brutal winter.

Thirteen athletes from Russia will compete in Italy, but they will do so without flags, anthems or a place in the medal standings.

Ukraine is sending a 103-member Olympic delegation to the Milan Cortina Olympics, including skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych. Photo courtesy of Vladyslav Heraskevych The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics At 5 a.

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, mark a historic moment for the Games. Not only because Italy is hosting for the first time since Torino 2006, but because these Olympics will be taking place in multiple locations, with venues scattered across the Italian Alps and Dolomites.

Beating the Americans will feel even sweeter for the U.S.' top allies.

The wide-ranging attack reportedly hit around 120 targets, including foreign ministry offices in the US, as well as consulates in Sydney, Toronto and Paris, and La Sapienza university in Rome was also hit in a seemingly separate attack also attributed to Russian-linked hackers.

Olympic competition begins today with mixed doubles curling, which will take place at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium. It is one of three venues being used during these Games that also hosted events during the 1956 Cortina Winter Olympics. In 1956, the stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as hockey and figure skating.