MILAN (AP) — Mittens versus gloves? Hats against headbands? Merino wool over Mongolian cashmere? Fashion is its own competitor in any Olympics, from team uniforms at the opening and closing ceremonies to individual looks in the stadiums and — during the Winter Games — on the slopes.

Sofia Goggia had a key role in securing the hosting rights of the Milan Cortina Olympics for Italy. In 2019, Goggia and snowboarder Michela Moioli made a joint speech and dabbed in unison before nearly 100 members of the International Olympic Committee at the voting session for the 2026 Games.

At the 2026 Winter Olympics in northern Italy, Minnesota is represented by 37 athletes on Team USA, and another 22 with ties to the state are competing for other countries. Competition at the Milan Cortina Games for these Minnesota Olympians began Thursday,

MILAN (AP) — Men's downhill in Alpine skiing starts as the first medal event of the Milan Cortina Olympics and will take place Saturday, which is officially Day 1 of the Games. Also in the spotlight will be U.

The 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Games will take place over an 8,500 square miles in Northern Italy, creating a complex challenge for organizers and fans.

U.S. Vice ‌President ​JD Vance and ‌his wife Usha flew into Milan on ​Thursday on the eve of the opening ceremony of the ‍Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Vance, ​wearing a blue zip-up jacket with a ​U.