One of the most anticipated global sporting events of the decade, the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, have officially come to an end. After the Winter Olympics in Beijing, an edition still remembered for the figure skating doping scandal that shook the sporting world, many were left wondering whether these Games would restore full confidence in the Olympic movement. Would Milan-Cortina be remembered purely for athletic excellence, or would controversy once again overshadow competition?
Now that the Olympic flame has been extinguished, it is possible to reflect on both the triumphs and the challenges that defined these Games. From a sporting perspective, Milan–Cortina delivered excitement, drama, and deep human stories. One of the most inspiring narratives belonged to American figure skater Alysa Liu. Unlike many athletes who enter the Olympics focused on medal counts and external expectations, Liu approached the Games with a remarkably grounded mindset.
Having previously stepped away from elite skating due to burnout, her return was not about proving critics wrong or chasing titles - it was about rediscovering joy. In interviews, she repeatedly emphasized that she wanted to skate her best and remain present in each moment, without obsessing over placement. This mentality was clearly visible on the ice. Liu performed with calmness, authenticity, and visible enjoyment, even under the immense global spotlight.
When small imperfections occurred, she recovered smoothly rather than letting pressure dictate her performance. Commentators praised her emotional maturity, noting that she appeared freer than many of her competitors. For countless young viewers, her approach became a powerful lesson: success is not defined solely by medals, but by the courage to compete wholeheartedly without fear of the outcome. In many ways, Liu embodied the essence of the Olympic spirit - participation with passion and integrity.
Sports at the Forefront, Mostly
Figure skating also featured some of the sport’s most recognizable names. Japan’s legendary Yuzuru Hanyu once again drew massive global attention. While he was no longer at the absolute peak of his competitive dominance, his artistry and technical consistency reminded audiences why he remains one of the most influential skaters in history.
Meanwhile, American prodigy Ilia Malinin entered the Games as the overwhelming favorite, having been nearly unbeatable since late 2023. However, the enormous expectations proved difficult to manage. Several costly errors in his free skate resulted in an eighth-place finish overall, one of the most surprising outcomes of the competition and a stark example of the psychological pressure unique to the Olympic stage.
Alpine skiing provided both brilliance and heartbreak. American icon Lindsey Vonn aimed to cap her remarkable career with another Olympic highlight. Instead, her campaign ended prematurely after a serious knee injury sustained during competition, requiring immediate surgery. The emotional reaction from fans and fellow athletes underscored her lasting impact on the sport. In contrast, Swiss star Marco Odermatt demonstrated technical excellence and composure, reinforcing his status as one of the sport’s dominant figures.
Beyond individual performances, the medal standings reflected traditional winter sport powerhouses. Norway once again topped the table with 41 medals, excelling particularly in cross-country skiing and biathlon, where Johannes Thingnes Bø delivered confident performances. The US followed with 33 medals, while the Netherlands secured 20 (largely through its speed skating dominance). A historic milestone came from the Czech Republic, which sent its largest Winter Olympic delegation ever - 114 athletes - five of whom reached the podium, marking significant progress for Czech winter sports development.
The Forgotten Places That Make the Games Possible
However, despite these positive highlights, the Games were not without serious challenges and controversies. The preparation phase was widely reported as complicated and, at times, troubling. Italian media outlets published investigations into alleged corruption and financial irregularities related to infrastructure projects. Concerns were raised about inflated budgets, particularly regarding alpine skiing facilities, ski jumping hills, curling arenas, and sliding track renovations.
Some reports suggested possible links between construction contracts and organized crime networks, reigniting long-standing concerns about transparency in major sporting events. Financial strain was also felt by residents in Milan and surrounding regions. Public spending on Olympic infrastructure sparked debates about long-term benefits versus short-term costs. Critics questioned whether certain venues would remain sustainable after the Games concluded, raising fears of “white elephant” facilities - expensive structures with limited post-Olympic use.
Security concerns further complicated organization. Given ongoing geopolitical tensions in Europe, authorities implemented extensive security measures, increasing police presence and surveillance around venues. While these precautions ensured overall safety, they also contributed to logistical challenges, including transportation delays and restricted movement zones for locals.
Yet More Concerns About the IOC
And the competition period itself was marked by several dramatic incidents. In bobsleigh, teams from Austria, France, and Jamaica experienced heavy crashes during high-speed runs, prompting renewed discussions about track safety standards. Polish short track skater Kamila Sellier suffered a severe facial injury after a fall. Perhaps, the most politically sensitive incident involved Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych.
After being warned to replace a helmet displaying images honoring 24 Ukrainian athletes who had died since 2022, he refused and was subsequently disqualified. His appeal to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was rejected, as they chose to maintain what they saw as their strict neutrality regulations. The decision sparked international debate over the balance between political neutrality and personal expression.
Upon returning to Ukraine, Heraskevych received recognition from Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who awarded him the Order of Freedom, and he was granted financial support comparable to that given to Olympic gold medalists. Despite the setback, Heraskevych publicly declared that he intends to return in four years, continuing to honour his message.
Milan-Cortina will be remembered as a multifaceted chapter in Olympic history. Ultimately, the Games reflected both the beauty and the challenges of international sport. As attention now turns to the Paralympic Games, one truth remains clear: sport continues to unite people across borders, offering hope, inspiration, and moments of shared humanity in an imperfect world.
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