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Milan-Cortina 2026: Your Winter Olympics Guide

BBC Sport •
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The Winter Olympics are returning to Europe for the 25th edition, set for Milan-Cortina in 2026, featuring a record 116 medal events. Great Britain aims for its most successful games ever, targeting four to eight medals. This comes after a disappointing performance in 2022, where they underperformed. This year, they are hoping for a turnaround.

The games will be the most gender-equal in history, with women competing in a record number of events. The return of NHL stars after a 12-year absence is a major draw for ice hockey. The USA hopes to win their first Olympic men's ice hockey title since 1980. The event will be spread across multiple locations, including Milan, promoting sustainability.

Italy, the host nation, aims for at least 19 medals, although they have faced setbacks with some key athletes. The Winter Olympics have evolved significantly since their debut in 1924. Historically, hosting the Olympics can boost a country's medal count.

Several athletes are aiming to break records, including German lugers Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt. Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Hosflot Klaebo could also become the top Olympian in history. This year's games promise exciting competition and historical significance.