2026 Winter Olympics live updates: Opening ceremony preparation underway for Milan Games

The head of the International Olympic Committee is hoping fans are on their best behavior tonight as they cheer on athletes from around the world.

“I hope that the opening ceremony is seen by everyone ⁠as an opportunity ‍to be respectful of each other,” IOC President Kirsty Coventry told reporters on Wednesday.

Her comment came ahead of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and second lady Usha Vance's arrival in Milan for the games. They are expected to lead a U.S. delegation tonight, according to the Associated Press, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta.

NBC will broadcast the ceremony live, with streaming on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.

The NBC News team will be live blogging throughout. But in case you're extremely offline this afternoon, an encore will air at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

Today, American alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn successfully completed her first downhill training run after rupturing her ACL last week — and her coach Aksel Lund Svindal is feeling hopeful.

"She’s unbelievable," Svindal said. "So I really think that she can do this."

Svindal said that Vonn excelled at turns, a skill the coach called her "superpower," but made some mistakes on the last part of the course. "But you know, that stuff we can fix on race day, but if the knee wasn’t working, that we couldn’t fix, so I think we should be very happy," he said.

It is unclear whether Vonn will complete another training run before the downhill on Sunday. "In general, more training is better, but we have to balance it against what the knee looks like," Svindal said.

Lindsey Vonn during a training run today. Julian Finney / Getty Images

Hector Vivas / Getty Images

A composite of more than 40 images from a fixed position shows competitors in the men’s snowboard big air qualification yesterday in Livigno, Italy.

Freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy wrote “f--- ice” in the snow yesterday, ahead of his fourth Olympic run.

Kenworthy shared his anti-ICE statement in an icy photo on Instagram framed by his skis. The caption urged Americans to call their senators and shared a sample script. "You can call your Senator at (202) 224-3121 to speak up against ICE and put pressure on them during the current DHS funding negotiations," the post read.

Ahead of the opening ceremony, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the nearly four years of Russia's war have taken a hard toll on Ukrainian athletes, some of whom have either died on the battlefield or had their lives turned upside down by the fighting.

“For the Ukrainian athletes, these competitions have a special meaning,” Sybiha said in a post on X. “They have been preparing for them under the harsh conditions of Russia’s full-scale war, strikes on energy, and damaged infrastructure,” he added, referring to the energy crisis created by Russian strikes on the country’s power grid last month, leaving millions of people without electricity or heat.

More than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed in the war, Sybiha said, and more than 800 sports facilities have been destroyed by the fighting, including 20 Olympic, Paralympic and Deaflympic training centers.

Pianist Lang Lang spoke to NBC News ahead of his performance at the Winter Olympic Games opening ceremony in Milan.

Pianist Lang Lang opens up about performing at the Olympics opening ceremony

02:05

Honorary coach Snoop Dogg cheered on the undefeated Team USA curling team today before taking to the ice. The rap legend added a curling broom to his red, white and blue ensemble to try the sport out himself.

After a tense ending to today's mixed doubles match against Estonia, Italy pulled out a 7-4 win — and the crowd went wild.

Fans waved Italian flags and cheered for the home team's win. This victory bumps Italy's curling team up to fourth place, right behind Canada.

Today's curling victory for the United States against Czechia marked Team USA's fourth match and fourth win in mixed doubles curling.

Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin won via concession during today's round-robin session.

Watch every goal from the first day of the women’s Olympic hockey tournament when Sweden defeated Germany, Italy beat France for a first Olympic win and the U.S. bested Czechia. Hayley Scamurra scored 2 goals in the win.

Spaniard Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate’s Minions-themed short program is a go.

Guarino Sabate confirmed in an Instagram post today that he will be able to skate the program in Milan after a copyright issue, just days before the Olympics, with the music he has used all season, a medley from the animated film “Minions.” Guarino Sabate’s ordeal made headlines, garnering international attention.

“It has not been an easy process,” Guarino Sabate said, thanking supporters for keeping him optimistic. “Right now, my only goal is to give my very best on the ice and deliver a program worthy of the affection I have received from people all around the world,” he added.

Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate competes at the European Figure Skating Championships in January. Yuan Tian / NurPhoto via Getty Images file

The Spanish Ice Sports Federation said in a statement that the four musical pieces included in the program have been authorized for use by the respective rights holders.

Guarino Sabate is scheduled to compete in his signature yellow T-shirt and blue overalls Tuesday.

In case you missed Lindsey Vonn's much-anticipated first training run at the Olympics since rupturing her ACL one week ago, here is how it looked.

At a couple of different points, Vonn seemed to be trying to take pressure off her injured left knee by taking turns wide. But otherwise, she came through unscathed.

Kaori Sakamoto, the final competitor on the day, scored a 78.88 to take first place in the women's short program portion of the teams event.

Liu, 20, scored a 74.90 for second place. She is the reigning world champion in women’s singles. She made her Olympic debut at age 16 in Beijing, when she was the youngest athlete on the U.S. Olympic team.

Alysa Liu competes today. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

U.S. medal hopeful Alysa Liu just scored a 74.90, the top score so far today. The crowd went wild in a very smooth routine. Only one competitor, Kaori Sakamoto, is left.

Canadian skater Madeline Schizas had to restart her program after what appeared to be an issue with the soundtrack for her short program as she competed in the team's event.

Schizas went to have a great skate despite the mishap, earning a sore of 64.97. She is currently second in the rankings.

Madeline Schizas competes today. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

The U.S. mixed doubles curling team of Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin spoke to reporters after their win over Canada today about the victory and their thoughts on seeing Snoop Dogg in the stands cheering them on.

Vice President JD Vance talked about the Olympics in his bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

“You guys have done an amazing job with the Olympic Games. The city looks beautiful,” Vance said, adding that he and the second lady had been discussing going to Milan “pretty much since I became vice president.”

“So in the spirit of the Olympic friendship, competition — competition based on rules — and just coming together around shared values, we’re very, very thrilled to be here, and we'll have a great conversation about a number of topics,” Vance said. 

Vice President JD Vance speaks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni today. Kevin Lamarque / AFP - Getty Images

American pair Danny O’Shea and Ellie Kam finished their short program in the teams event with a score of 66.59, fifth overall. Kam fell after being thrown high into the air by O’Shea but they said they aren't worried moving forward in competition.

“I think compared to some other teams here, we’re still relatively new and still working out some of the things,” Kam said. “Sometimes we get it right and it’s solid and no question. But today, it was a little bit off on timing. There’s always some little things that go with it — timing, nerves or different patterns — but we’re definitely working through it. We have a couple more outings here on the ice, so we hope to get it right by the end. And I think it’s good.”

Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea compete today. Fabrizio Carabelli - PA Images / PA Images via Getty Images

It was a major doubt that three-time medal winner Lindsey Vonn would take part at all, but the American star took part in a training session on the slopes this morning.

Vonn had to wait for her chance to get some practice, with the course shut down for more than an hour due to low visibility.

When the training resumed, Vonn finished her practice run 0.4 seconds off the pace, with a time of 1:40.33, but looked comfortable navigating the turns and was smiling afterward.

Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, the final skaters of the session, just posted an 82.84 for first place in the event. Georgia and Italy are second and third, respectively.

American pair Danny O'Shea and Ellie Kam are in fifth.

After a fog delay, Lindsey Vonn will finally take to the slopes in her training session in Cortina. It's her first Olympic practice run after a crash in which she ruptured her ACL.

The U.S. team of Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin stayed perfect in Cortina with a win over unbeaten Canada on Day 3 of mixed doubles curling competition.

Italian pair Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii are now in first place in qualifying after an amazing routine that scored them a 76.65. The local crowd went crazy on every landed move on the ice and their coach was visibly emotional when it completed. 

America’s Danny O’Shea and Ellie Kam are now in third.

Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii compete today. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

American skiing star Lindsey Vonn shared a photo ahead of her training session for the downhill event this afternoon, which has been delayed by foggy conditions.

"Nothing makes me happier! No one would have believed I would be here," Vonn wrote next to the picture. She tore her ACL and sustained other injuries in a crash just days before the Olympics, but has vowed to fight back and race in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

"I’m here, I’m smiling and no matter what, I know how lucky I am. I’m not going to waste this chance," she added.

As Vonn and other American skiers waited for the fog to lift from the slopes, they engaged in some line dancing to stay warm.

Team France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron laid down a powerful Madonna-inspired rhythm dance in the Olympic figure skating team event rhythm dance segment. They placed behind the USA’s Chock and Bates.

Americans Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea just competed in pair skating and posted a score of 66.59. Despite one fall after Kam stumbled after being thrown high into the air, they are in second place behind Canadians Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud.

Kam and O’Shea are making their Olympic debuts.

Ellie Kam and partner Danny O'Shea compete today. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

Vance has departed the ice dancing event and is now headed back downtown for the meeting with the Italian prime minister. 

Vice President JD Vance with his family at the ice skating arena today. Antonin Thuillier / AFP via Getty Images

The Vance family was shown on the NBC Olympics feed around 5:09 am ET. Mirabel, 4, was sitting in her mom’s lap, wearing a red coat. Vance was seated next to his aunt and uncle. They were there to see Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates skate into first place in the team event. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also spotted sitting near the Vances.

Pope Leo on Friday sent best wishes to the athletes preparing to compete at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and reiterated his call for world leaders to use the Games to promote peace efforts and de-escalate the world’s violent conflicts.

In a letter, Leo recalled the ancient Greek tradition of the Olympic truce when wars would be halted during the Games.

“I wholeheartedly encourage all nations to rediscover and respect this instrument of hope,” he said. “One must never forget that aggression, violence and war are always a defeat for humanity.”

Madison Chock and Evan Bates, the American pair who won gold in 2022, took first place in the early ice dancing session today with a score of 91.06.

"We definitely skated great, and we’re very happy, as you saw when we finished," Bates said. "I think we both felt the excitement of just getting these Olympics underway. You never know what to expect with the score. There was even a little delay (because) they said it in Italian. We were looking for the score, and once we saw it, we were thrilled. I mean, to break 90 is always a great feat, and to do it at the Olympic Games is even better."

Chock echoed her partner's sentiments.

"I think it sets Team USA up great for the rest of the week," she said. "We’re really happy to have been able to put out that performance for them and put Team USA in first place right now."

The pair said they were not attending the Opening Ceremonies to stay ready for the rest of the competition.

"We need to be mindful of our energy, and that’s what we’ve been doing," Bates said.

Mist causing low visibility stopped training in the women's downhill skiing training session this morning, delaying Team USA's Lindsey Vonn's return to the slopes after suffering an ACL injury that threatened to keep her out of these Games altogether.

The delay has lasted for more than 20 minutes now and a live video feed of the event overheard the waiting athletes discussing the merits of zucchini bread, among other things.

We're through three pairs in the second session of qualifying for pairs skating and here's the leaderboard so far:

1. China's Wenjing Sui and Cong Han with a score of 65.37.
2. France’s Pavel and Camille Kovalev with 63.72
3. Poland's Michal Wizniak and Ioulia Chtchetinina have 60.20.

China's Wenjing Sui and partner Cong Han compete in the pair skating - short program at Milano Ice Skating Arena today. Joosep Martinson / Getty Images

Three-time gold Olympic medal winner Lindsey Vonn is listed to start downhill ski training today, ahead of competing at the games despite sustaining an ACL injury in a recent crash.

Lindsey Vonn before the second official training for the women's downhill event, at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre today. Stefano Rellandini / AFP via Getty Images

Vonn this week vowed she would compete in the Games but admitted there were risks involved.

“I know what my chances were before the crash and I know my chances aren’t the same as it stands today,” she said. “But I know there’s still a chance, and as long as there’s a chance, I will try.”

The U.S. defeated its neighbor from the north in mixed doubles curling this morning, beating Canada 7-5. A power play in the seventh end was fruitful for the Americans, who won that end 3-0. The U.S. is now 3-0 in round robin play, with a match against Czechia later today.

Korey Dropkin of Team USA celebrates victory following the mixed doubles curling round robin match against Canada today. Richard Heathcote / Getty Images

Amber Glenn had just skated off the ice when she screamed.

Waiting in a cooldown area after a run at this month’s U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Glenn reacted in disbelief after she saw her score of 83.05 flash on a monitor. The score was a U.S. championship record for the women’s short program, and it would help her, two days later, become the first U.S. woman in 21 years to win a third consecutive U.S. championship.

The victory clinched Glenn a spot on her first Olympic team and created an opportunity at the Winter Olympics to become the first U.S. woman to medal in singles at an Olympics since 2006.

Amber Glenn at the 2026 United States Figure Skating Championships in St Louis, on Jan. 9. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

Earlier in her career, Glenn lost confidence that such success would ever materialize. She went so far as to step away from the sport, citing her mental health.

It is no coincidence, she believes, that the high point of her career has overlapped with her best years personally, too, since she came out publicly as bisexual and pansexual in 2019. Glenn will become the first out woman to figure skate at an Olympics, according to Outsports, a website that has tracked LGBTQ athletes since 1999.

Read the full story here.

In the rhythm dance section of the ice dancing team event, U.S. stars Madison Chock and Evan Bates just performed what appeared to be a very strong run, and they were rewarded by judges.

Madison Chock and partner Evan Bates of Team USA during the Games today. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

Their score of 91.06 is the best run of the day by far, well ahead of another team of medal favorites from France, Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry, who scored 89.98.

Rapper Snoop Dogg is in Cortina for the curling showdown between the U.S. and Canada. He does not appear to be sipping on any gin and juice at the moment.

Snoop Dogg watches the Curling Mixed Doubles Round Robin match between Team USA and Team Canada today. Richard Heathcote / Getty Images

With three reigning world champions, the U.S. figure skating team is primed for Olympic gold. Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir break down what makes Ilia Malinin, aka the “Quad God,” and his teammates so exceptional.

The three-time reigning world champion team of Madison Chock and Evan Bates is part of a second wave of five skaters now warming up on the ice before they compete for the first time.

Chock and Bates were welcomed by the loudest ovation of any competitors.

Flanked by a phalanx of security personnel, Vice President JD Vance, second lady Usha Vance and their children have now arrived at the arena to watch this morning's ice dancing competition.

Their arrival caused less of a commotion than at yesterday's U.S. women's hockey game in part because this arena is so much larger.

Hello from the first day of rhythm dancing here in south Milan, where Vice President JD Vance, second lady Usha Vance and their children will attend a mixed ice rhythm dancing competition. Why this competition? U.S. stars Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who are medal favorites and three-time reigning world champions, will compete later this morning.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates of Team USA. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

The Vances are joined once again by twins Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando, who are also part of the U.S. delegation. The 2018 gold medal winners attended the USA Women's hockey game with the Vances yesterday.

Hiroto Ogiwara (178.50) and Kira Kimura (173.25) of Japan went 1-3, while host nation Italy’s Ian Matteoli (174.50) placed 2nd in qualifying for men’s snowboard big air.

Competition has already kicked off on the snow and ice at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The U.S. women’s hockey team easily won its first game, while the first qualifying event was held in snowboarding.

01:28

Today is a big day, with the beginning of figure skating, more curling and women’s hockey — and of course the opening ceremony!

Here’s the full schedule (all times Eastern): 

• 3:55 a.m.: Figure skating: Team event women’s short, rhythm dance, pairs short
• 4:05 a.m.: Mixed doubles curling round-robin (Sweden-Britain, Italy-Switzerland, USA-Canada)
• 6:10 a.m.: Women’s hockey pool play (France-Japan)
• 8:35 a.m.: Mixed doubles curling round-robin (Czechia-USA, Estonia-Italy, South Korea-Britain, Sweden-Norway)
• 8:40 a.m.: Women’s hockey pool play (Czechia-Switzerland)
• 2 p.m.: Opening ceremony

The countdown to the official start of the Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina has begun, with the cauldron lighting one day away. NBC News’ previews what to expect from the opening ceremony and reports on the progress of the competitions so far.

04:04

The event will mainly take place at Milan’s historic San Siro stadium, but athlete processions will also be taking place at competition venues in Predazzo, Livigno and Cortina d’Ampezzo.