CORTINA D’AMPEZZO — The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics have officially begun — even before the spectacular opening ceremony — with mixed doubles curling opening the Games and delivering the first taste of Olympic competition. The early matches mark the soft launch of the Winter Games, giving fans worldwide a thrilling preview of what lies ahead .
Curling, known for its blend of precision, tactics, and nerves, kicked off with intense round-robin matches featuring some of the sport’s biggest names. Defending Olympic champions Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner of Italy drew major attention as they returned to compete on home ice. The Italian duo — who famously won gold at Beijing 2022 — are aiming to repeat their success in front of passionate local supporters.
“It’s a special feeling to play in Cortina,” Mosaner said. “Having the crowd behind us makes it emotional and motivating,” while Constantini described the home Olympics as “a once-in-a-lifetime experience”
Early Matches Set the Tone
In the opening round, Italy showcased strong shot-making and composure, while other top contenders such as Canada, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, South Korea, and the United States also began their campaigns. The USA pair Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse, reigning world champions, entered the competition with confidence — balancing Dropkin’s intensity with Thiesse’s calm and strategic approach.
“We bring calm and fire,” Dropkin said. “It’s about staying sharp and trusting each other in big moments,” highlighting their chemistry as a key strength .
Curlers Relieved to Compete Without COVID Restrictions
Many athletes spoke about how different this Olympic experience feels compared to Beijing 2022, where strict COVID bubbles limited movement, fan interaction, and family presence. This time, curlers can compete with full crowds, open venues, and a festive Olympic atmosphere.
Norwegian curler Magnus Nedregotten summed it up by saying it feels like “one less thing to worry about,” while British skip Bruce Mouat called the return of fans and freedom a major emotional boost .
A Symbolic Start to the Milano Cortina Games
Curling’s early start reflects the packed Olympic schedule, but it also serves as a symbolic opening act — setting the competitive tone before the official lighting of the Olympic flame on February 6. With tight matches, home heroes, world champions, and rising stars already in action, curling has ensured that the Winter Olympics excitement begins before the ceremony even starts.
As medal dreams take shape and rivalries intensify on the ice, the Milano Cortina Games are already delivering drama, pride, and Olympic spirit — one stone at a time.
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