While the opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympics begin on Friday, the events actually got underway on Wednesday.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are bringing thousands of athletes from around the world together for more than two weeks of competition — and the Games are a gold mine for statistics.

The United States has the most athletes competing in the Winter Olympics, but is not favored to win the gold medal race.

Athletes from around the world are arriving in Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which begins on February 6.

Which Winter Olympian has the most medals of all time? Check out the most decorated competitors ahead of the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.

Which country has the most Winter Olympic medals entering Milan Cortina 2026? Here's the top 10, with Team USA chasing first place.

When it comes to both overall medal count and gold medal count, Norway is the odds-on favorite at the Winter Olympics. The nation has 405 medals overall, 148 of them gold. Compare that to the United States, which sits in second position in the all-time medal table, with 330 total, 114 gold.

Most countries that have competed at the Winter Olympics have taken home medals in multiple sports over the years. There are also some that have emerged

The opening ceremony is taking place on Friday, but these winter games just couldn't wait.

With Italian design heritage in the backdrop and leading brands dressing teams from around the world, the 2026 Olympic uniforms are looking like they would be just as at home on the streets of any international fashion week as they will be on the podium.