The opening weekend of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games has seen Europe take centre stage with impressive performances. Italy stood out in alpine skiing and figure skating, while Norway continued to dominate in biathlon and cross-country skiing. Other European nations, including Germany, Austria, France, and Switzerland, also secured podium finishes in snowboarding, curling, and ski jumping, highlighting the continent’s depth of talent.
This strong start not only demonstrates the high level of preparation among European athletes but also sets the tone for an exciting and fiercely contested Games in the days ahead, with fans eagerly anticipating more thrilling performances and medal-winning moments.
With just three days remaining until the opening ceremony, anticipation is reaching fever pitch across Milano and Cortina. Athletes from all over Europe are arriving, familiarising themselves with the courses, and completing their final training sessions. The streets and venues are already buzzing with energy, as fans travel from near and far to witness the start of the Winter Games.
Organisers are working tirelessly to ensure every detail is perfect, from venue readiness to transport, security, and logistics. Media teams are setting up across the region, while local communities embrace the Olympic spirit, decorating towns and welcoming visitors. The excitement is tangible, signaling that the long-awaited Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are almost here.
Milano-Cortina 2026: The Final Countdown Reaches Its Peak
4 February
The Winter Olympics are almost here, and the first signs of competition are visible. Alpine skiers hit the slopes for official training runs, testing the courses and familiarising themselves with the challenging pistes. On the ice, the opening matches of curling are underway, giving fans a first taste of Olympic action. The excitement is growing as athletes adjust to the venues and the Olympic atmosphere begins to take hold.
Meanwhile, National Olympic Committees have announced their flagbearers for the opening ceremony, with some of Europe’s top athletes set to lead their delegations. Tomorrow, more sports will enter the spotlight, including speed skating and ski jumping, as the Games continue their countdown to the official start on 6 February. The Olympic spirit is spreading across Milano and Cortina, and fans can feel the energy building with each passing hour.
Milano-Cortina 2026: Opening Ceremony Lights Up the Night
6 February
Today, 6 February, Milan and Cortina donned their finest to officially launch the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. The opening ceremony, a dazzling spectacle, combined technology, art, and Italian tradition, captivating thousands of spectators in the stadiums and millions more watching around the world.
Athletes from across Europe proudly paraded carrying their national flags, while the Olympic flame lit up the night sky, signalling the start of two weeks of competition and excitement. Music, dance, and visual projections showcased Italy’s rich cultural heritage, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration that embodies the Olympic spirit.
The first days of training and pre-ceremony activities had already set high expectations among fans, and now, with the Olympic flame ignited, the competition is officially underway.
Milano-Cortina 2026: Europe Shines on the Podium on the First Day
8 February
The opening day of competition at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics brought pride and excitement to Europe, with outstanding performances from athletes claiming top positions across several disciplines. Host nation Italy stood out particularly in alpine skiing and figure skating, while Norway reaffirmed its dominance in biathlon and cross-country skiing.
Other European countries also shone, securing podium finishes in curling, ski jumping, and snowboarding, demonstrating the depth and talent of the continent in winter sports. Fans celebrated every medal with enthusiasm, as the host cities filled with flags and cheers.
These early successes reflect not only the athletes’ preparation but also the excitement and unity that the Olympic Games bring to Europe. With many events still to come, the race for medals promises even more spectacular moments in the days ahead.
Europe defines its presence at Milano Cortina 2026
26 January
European delegations for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are now largely confirmed. According to official data from National Olympic Committees, Italy, as the host nation, leads European participation with 193 athletes (101 men and 92 women), followed by Germany with 184 competitors and Switzerland with 175.
Other major countries include France (156 athletes), Czech Republic (114) and Sweden (111). Although minor adjustments may occur due to reallocation of quotas before the Games begin on 6 February 2026, no significant changes are expected in the overall size of the delegations. These figures underline Europe’s strong presence at the Winter Olympic Games.
Final countdown: less than 10 days to go, the torch on its final stretch and venues ready
28 January
Milano-Cortina 2026 is entering its decisive phase. With less than 10 days until the opening ceremony, the Olympic torch is progressing along its final route, symbolising unity, effort and the Olympic values across Europe.
At the same time, competition venues and Olympic infrastructure are undergoing their final preparations, with organising committees, federations and authorities working closely to ensure a smooth Games and the best possible experience for athletes and spectators.
Reuters
One week to Milano-Cortina 2026
30 January
With just seven days remaining until the opening ceremony of Milano-Cortina 2026, excitement is building across Europe. Athletes, coaches, and officials are finalising preparations, while fans are making travel plans and securing tickets. The countdown highlights the anticipation for what promises to be a memorable Winter Olympics.
Venues and last-minute checks
31 January
Organisers are conducting final inspections at all competition venues to ensure everything meets Olympic standards. From ski slopes to ice rinks, every detail is being reviewed to guarantee athlete safety and the highest level of performance. The last week before the Games is a race against time, but confidence is high for a smooth start on 6 February.
With just over a year to go until the start of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, several European national teams have already begun to officially confirm some of their athletes, particularly in team sports and in disciplines with closed qualification calendars. While most final rosters will not be announced until weeks before the event, a number of high-profile names are already clearly on track to be part of the Olympic stage.
Official confirmations
Ice hockey: Sweden leads the way
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The Swedish men’s national ice hockey team has become one of the first European sides to announce an official list of 25 players for the Olympic tournament. The Nordic team is relying on a blend of Olympic experience and established talent from European and North American leagues, sending a clear signal of early preparation for Milano-Cortina 2026.
Figure skating: Great Britain
In figure skating, Lewis Gibson has been confirmed as a member of the British team, consolidating his status as one of Great Britain’s leading ice dance athletes and one of the first names officially secured for the Games.
Skeleton: British leadership
Britain’s Matt Weston, current overall Skeleton World Cup champion, is shaping up as one of Europe’s strongest contenders in the discipline. His dominance on the international circuit places him among the athletes virtually assured of representing Great Britain in 2026.
European athletes with a high probability of selection
Beyond the official confirmations, several European nations already have athletes who, based on recent results and secured quotas, are highly likely to compete at the Olympic Games, pending formal ratification by their respective federations.
Norway
The Nordic powerhouse is once again expected to play a leading role in winter sports. Among the names topping current projections are:
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (cross-country skiing)
Sturla Holm Lægreid (biathlon)
Heidi Weng and Tiril Udnes Weng (cross-country skiing)
Hallgeir Engebråten (speed skating)
Switzerland and Germany
In ice hockey, nations such as Switzerland and Germany are already working with well-defined elite cores. Players like Roman Josi (Switzerland) and Leon Draisaitl (Germany) feature prominently in Olympic projections, awaiting final confirmation.
Belgium and Poland
Belgium has already secured participation in speed skating, led by athletes such as Bart Swings and Hanne Desmet.
Poland has obtained quotas across several disciplines (skating, biathlon, skiing and snowboarding) and has begun to announce its first names on a progressive basis.
A process still ongoing
The International Olympic Committee and national federations have reiterated that, in most individual sports, quota allocation comes before the final selection of athletes. As a result, many European teams will wait for national championships, internal selection criteria or the conclusion of the winter season before confirming their final Olympic rosters.
With Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo as host cities, the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will take place from 6 to 22 February 2026, and Europe is once again expected to play a central role both in terms of participation numbers and medal ambitions.
SportEurope will continue to report on official confirmations and follow the progress of European teams on their road to Milano-Cortina 2026.
International sport moves in cycles, and major events never stand alone. Each competition is a stepping stone that links preparation, ambition and long-term vision. Across Europe and beyond, 2025 emerges as a decisive platform for two major objectives: Milano-Cortina 2026 and Dakar 2026. Within this context, Bakuriani 2025 and Skopje 2025 play a strategic and defining role.
From Bakuriani 2025 to Milano-Cortina 2026
Bakuriani 2025 has established itself as a key reference point in the winter sports calendar on the road to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Georgian resort acts as a transitional stage between previous global competitions and the new Olympic model Italy is set to deliver in 2026.
Events held in Bakuriani allow athletes, coaches and federations to assess the true competitive landscape under demanding winter conditions. It is here that organisational systems are tested, competition formats refined and, crucially, emerging talents identified ahead of Milano-Cortina.
Bakuriani is therefore not merely a preparatory stop, but a natural milestone on the Olympic pathway. The experience gained in 2025 feeds directly into 2026, both in sporting performance and operational expertise.
Skopje 2025: A Prelude to the Dakar 2026 Challenge
Running in parallel, Skopje 2025 plays a different yet equally significant role in the build-up to Dakar 2026. The capital of North Macedonia positions itself as a hub for emerging sport, international projection and the development of competitive structures.
While Dakar belongs to a distinct sporting universe, its core values — endurance, strategy, adaptability and mental resilience — are forged well before the starting line. Skopje provides an ideal conceptual prelude, where these principles are cultivated through competition, preparation and long-term planning.
Skopje represents the starting point: young athletes, developing teams and nations seeking to strengthen their presence on the international sporting map. Dakar 2026 is the destination, where that preparation is put to the ultimate test.
Two Paths, One Shared Objective
Milano-Cortina 2026 and Dakar 2026 represent the pinnacle of two very different sporting worlds. Yet both are built on the foundations laid by Bakuriani 2025 and Skopje 2025. One reflects the tradition and evolution of Olympic winter sport; the other embodies the epic challenge of extreme competition.
The message is clear: success in 2026 is not improvised. It is shaped, tested and refined in 2025. Europe understands that every event matters, every host city contributes, and the road to the future begins long before the spotlight of the main stage.
7 November 2025 The countdown is on: 91 days to go until the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, and Europe’s new generation of winter athletes is ready to step into the spotlight.
After years of groundwork through the European Youth Olympic Festivals (EYOF) in Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2023 and Bakuriani 2025, the continent approaches these Games with depth, confidence and clear signs of renewal.
Italy’s Stage, Europe’s Moment
Milano-Cortina will bring together two worlds — the modern urban pulse of Milan and the Alpine heritage of Cortina d’Ampezzo — in a format that aims to be sustainable, connected and inclusive. The Arena di Verona will host the closing ceremony, adding a touch of history and culture to a Games that symbolise both Italian excellence and European unity.
🏔️ From Friuli-Venezia Giulia to Bakuriani: The Pathway to the Podium
Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2023: Foundations of the Future
The EYOF in Friuli-Venezia Giulia launched this new cycle of talent. Young Europeans excelled in traditional and emerging disciplines — alpine skiing, biathlon, freestyle and snowboard — setting benchmarks that would carry into their national teams. Nations like Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Norway and France refined their youth systems there, turning promise into structure.
Bakuriani 2025: Confirmation of the Rebuild
In Bakuriani (Georgia), the next chapter unfolded. The 2025 EYOF showcased the evolution of that same generation — more technical, more adaptable, and more competitive than ever. Under challenging conditions, Europe dominated once again, confirming the depth of its development networks from the Alps to the Caucasus.
🌍 Gangwon 2024: European Excellence on a Global Stage
At the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon (South Korea), Europe’s young athletes took control of the medal tables. From Switzerland and Austria to France, Italy and Germany, the continent’s talent shone across alpine skiing, Nordic combined and biathlon. Those results were not isolated successes — they were a preview of what’s to come in 2026.
Gangwon became proof that Europe’s youth development programmes are not only consistent but world-leading, producing athletes ready to win on any stage.
⚡ The New DNA of European Winter Sport
This new generation brings a distinctive identity:
Multi-skilled: blending classical technique with freestyle creativity.
Data-driven: training with technology, analytics and mental preparation.
Internationally experienced: accustomed to Olympic settings before their senior debut.
They represent a Europe that competes with imagination and confidence — one that no longer waits for the future but builds it actively through structure and opportunity.
🔜 Towards Milano-Cortina 2026
As teams finalise their rosters and test events wrap up, Milano-Cortina is set to be a showcase of continuity and renewal. The athletes who grew through Friuli-Venezia and Bakuriani, and triumphed in Gangwon, will arrive not as newcomers — but as the face of a new European era in winter sport.
Europe’s next champions are no longer on the horizon. They are already here.
3 November 2025 | With less than a year to go before the start of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the countdown has begun for an event that will mark a turning point in Olympic history — the first-ever Olympic Games to be held on African soil.
Under the motto “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates”, Senegal is getting ready to host more than 2,700 young athletes aged between 15 and 18, who will compete across 25 sports and 151 events from 31 October to 13 November 2026.
🌍 Three cities, one Olympic dream
The Games will take place across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, three interconnected hubs currently undergoing rapid development. The Stade du Sénégal in Diamniadio will serve as the heart of the event, hosting the opening ceremony and most athletics and team sport competitions. On the coast, Saly will welcome emerging disciplines such as coastal rowing (Beach Sprints) and surfing, while central Dakar will come alive with breaking, basketball 3×3 and sport climbing.
🏅 A youthful, balanced and diverse programme
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed Dakar 2026 will maintain its inclusive spirit, ensuring full gender equality and introducing new disciplines designed to resonate with younger audiences. Sports such as breaking, skateboarding and sport climbing will share the stage with Olympic classics including athletics, swimming, judo and rugby sevens. In addition, the programme will feature 10 “mobilisation sports”, non-medal events aimed at encouraging local participation and spreading the Olympic spirit beyond competition.
🏗 Preparations progressing steadily
Preparations are advancing according to the master plan approved by the IOC and the Senegalese Organising Committee. The Venue Master Plan has been finalised, with new facilities and refurbishments designed to leave a lasting legacy:
Modernisation of Iba Mar Diop Stadium in Dakar.
Construction of a new international aquatic centre in Diamniadio.
Major road and transport improvements linking the three host cities.
The President of the Organising Committee, Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, said:
“Dakar 2026 will not only be a celebration of sport but an opportunity to showcase Africa’s talent and hospitality to the world.”
🧒 Beyond sport: legacy and youth
Dakar 2026 aims to go far beyond competition. Its legacy programmes include education, sustainability and youth training initiatives, with more than 400 young Senegalese currently being trained in event management and sports administration. The concept of “Teranga”, Senegal’s renowned culture of hospitality, will be a defining feature for athletes, volunteers and visitors alike.
⏱ The clock is ticking
During the “One Year to Go” celebration held in October, organisers unveiled the official mascot, Ayo — a young lion symbolising the energy, optimism and strength of Africa’s youth. The event featured live music, traditional dance and heartfelt messages from aspiring Senegalese athletes dreaming of competing on home soil.
🗣 A global celebration of the future
With just 12 months to go, the Olympic spirit is already palpable across Africa. The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games promise not only a world-class sporting spectacle but also a powerful message of unity, equality and hope.
Jakarta, Indonesia – October 27, 2025 | Europe delivered a strong, determined performance at the 53rd World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, held in Jakarta from October 19 to 25. Although Asian and American gymnasts captured most of the gold medals, European nations once again proved their class, precision, and resilience — earning podiums and finals that reaffirm the continent’s global standing.
🥇The United Kingdom leads the European charge
Team GB was the standout performer for Europe in Jakarta, securing a total of five medals (1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze).
The star of the competition was Jake Jarman, who delivered a sensational routine on floor exercise to claim gold with 14.866 points. His teammate Luke Whitehouse followed closely with silver, giving Britain an unprecedented one-two finish.
Jarman continued his fine form in vault, where he added another silver, while Courtney Tulloch earned bronze on still rings, and Alice Kinsella closed Britain’s tally with bronze on balance beam.
“It’s a great moment for British gymnastics,” said Jarman. “We’re showing that Europe can be on top — and that our generation can lead the way to Paris 2028.”
These results mark one of the best world championships in British history and confirm Team GB as the leading European program in artistic gymnastics.
🥈Turkey makes history in rings
Turkish gymnastics continues to rise thanks to Adem Asil, who claimed silver on still rings with a score of 14.566. His powerful strength elements and controlled dismount earned Turkey its first world medal since 2023, underlining the country’s growing consistency at elite level.
Head coach Suat Çelik noted: “Adem’s medal shows that Turkey is not an outsider anymore — we are now part of Europe’s leading nations.”
🥉A breakthrough for Switzerland
Switzerland celebrated a historic achievement as Noe Seifert captured the bronze medal in the men’s all-around final. His balanced performance across all six apparatuses placed him behind Japan’s Daiki Hashimoto and China’s Zhang Boheng — a remarkable result that revived Swiss gymnastics on the world stage.
🥉Ukraine returns to the podium
Ukraine also joined the European medal table, with Illia Kovtun taking bronze on parallel bars. Known for his elegant swing technique and precise transitions, Kovtun continues to carry the Ukrainian flag high in men’s artistic gymnastics, securing another world medal for his nation.
🏅 European medal summary – Jakarta 2025
Country
🥇 Gold
🥈 Silver
🥉 Bronze
Total
United Kingdom
1
2
2
5
Turkey
0
1
0
1
Switzerland
0
0
1
1
Ukraine
0
0
1
1
Europe finishes the championship with eight total medals, spreading success across four nations and showing balanced strength between Western, Central, and Eastern Europe.
🔮 A solid path to LA2028
The results in Jakarta highlight a crucial shift for European gymnastics: depth, quality, and innovation are paying off.
Three key takeaways for the continent’s road to Paris 2028:
Consistency pays – Britain and Turkey have built steady systems producing world-class routines year after year.
New nations rise – Switzerland and Ukraine prove that strong fundamentals can lead to podiums.
Women’s gymnastics grows – the D’Amato sisters (Italy), Naomi Visser (Netherlands), and Alice Kinsella (UK) show Europe’s female gymnasts are closing the gap in artistry and execution.
Sport Europe analysis: “The artistry remains European, the power is growing — and Paris 2028 could see Europe on top once again.”
Zadar (Croatia), 14 October 2025 — The Krešimir Ćosić Arena in Zadar has become the beating heart of European table tennis as the 2025 European Team Championships get underway. From 14 to 19 October, the Croatian coastal city will host 24 men’s and 24 women’s national teams competing for continental glory.
🔹 Europe’s Elite Gather in Croatia
Organised by the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), the event marks the long-awaited return of the team format to the Balkans. The opening ceremony featured all 48 teams parading before a packed arena, setting an electric atmosphere for a week of top-level competition.
🔹 Format and World Championship Qualification
The tournament begins with eight groups of three teams. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 16, followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final on 19 October. Beyond the European title, the top 16 teams overall will also secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Team Championships, to be held in London.
🔹 Favourites and Contenders
In the men’s competition, Sweden enters as the defending champion and top favourite, with Truls Möregårdh, Mattias Falck, and Anton Källberg leading the squad. Germany, France, Portugal, and Slovenia are expected to be strong challengers.
On the women’s side, Germany defends the crown it captured in Malmö 2023, while Romania, France, Hungary, and Poland aim to challenge their dominance. Several younger national teams will be looking to make their mark in Zadar. Among other notable contenders are Spain, England, Italy, and Croatia, all targeting a place in the knockout stage and a spot at the 2026 Worlds.
🔹 A Historic Host Venue
The Krešimir Ćosić Arena, with capacity for more than 9,000 spectators, is hosting a European Table Tennis Championships for the first time. Regarded as one of the most modern sports venues in the Balkans, it offers a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and atmosphere. The city of Zadar, known for its rich cultural heritage and passion for sport, has also prepared a series of cultural and community events to complement the competition, highlighting its role as a true European table tennis hub.
🔹 Broadcast
All matches are available via ETTU.tv, with international coverage and full replays available on demand.
The championship runs from 14 to 19 October 2025 at the Krešimir Ćosić Arena in Zadar, Croatia, featuring 24 men’s and 24 women’s national teams. Organised by the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), the tournament not only crowns Europe’s top teams but also provides the top 16 squads with automatic qualification for the 2026 World Team Championships in London.
Lima, Peru – The 2025 Junior World Judo Championships in Lima showcased some of the finest young jLima, Peru – From 5 to 7 October 2025, Lima hosted the Junior World Judo Championships, bringing together 463 young judokas from 65 countries. While Japan dominated much of the overall medal table, European athletes stood out with exceptional performances, demonstrating both depth and talent across multiple categories.
🥇 European Gold Medallists
Europe secured five gold medals from five countries:
Netherlands: Maria Hanstede triumphed in the −78 kg women’s category, executing a decisive yuko to claim the top podium spot.
Serbia: Achieved gold in a men’s category, underlining the country’s strong tradition in middle and heavyweight divisions.
France: Célia Cancan won the gold in the +78 kg women’s category, securing victory by ippon in the final.
Switzerland: April Lynn Fohouo claimed gold in the −70 kg women’s category, displaying remarkable consistency and technical skill.
Georgia: Tornike Gigauri captured gold in the −66 kg men’s category, showcasing flawless technique and excellent control throughout the competition.
🥈 Silver Medallists
Spain: Secured silver in the −70 kg women’s category, reflecting the country’s growing strength in junior judo.
Germany: Took silver in a men’s category, demonstrating the depth and competitiveness of its youth programme.
🥉 Bronze Medallists
Several European countries reached the podium, with Azerbaijan serving as a notable example of the continent’s strength in the bronze medal positions.
🌍 European Performance Overview
In total, Europe finished with:
5 gold medals: Netherlands, Serbia, France, Switzerland, Georgia
2 silver medals: Spain and Germany
Multiple bronze medals, including Azerbaijan
These results underline Europe’s continuing prowess in junior judo and highlight a promising generation of athletes poised to succeed at senior world championships and future Olympic Games. The Championships in Lima confirmed that Europe remains a major force in the development of elite judo talent, combining skill, strategy, and determination.
EOC
