Italian Athletes Do Well at Home in Winter Olympics

Italian athletes are showing good results at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Many feel they have an advantage playing in front of their home fans. The Games also face questions about the environment and security.
By Newsroom | Sports, Italy |

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo are underway, presenting a complex tapestry of athletic endeavor, national pride, and wider societal concerns. While athletes compete on what they hope is familiar terrain, the event is also subject to international observation, touching on themes of sustainability, security, and the very nature of the Winter Games. The unfolding competition offers a glimpse into the enduring appeal of the Olympics and the unique pressures faced by host nations.

Italian renaissance: does ‘home-ice’ give Winter Olympic hosts a competitive advantage? - 1

The Spectacle and The Stakes

This year's Winter Olympics are notable for several reasons: it is Italy's third time hosting the Winter Games, underscoring its sustained involvement in the Olympic movement. The event also introduces new disciplines, like ski mountaineering, and marks the return of NHL players to ice hockey, heightening anticipation. For Italian athletes, competing on home soil presents a unique opportunity. For instance, curlers Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner have achieved success in Cortina, with Constantini playing in her hometown and finding comfort in familiar surroundings. This proximity to home appears to be a factor in their performance, as they have advanced to the semi-finals. The Games are also designed to be a showcase of Italy's culture and diverse regions, spreading events across Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and other locations.

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Italian renaissance: does ‘home-ice’ give Winter Olympic hosts a competitive advantage? - 2

A Shifting Olympic Landscape

The history of the Winter Olympics reveals a complex evolution. The idea of a separate Winter Games was not part of the original vision by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics. It was later formalized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which now seeks to host the Games in countries with a strong tradition of winter sports. The 2026 Games are spread across northern Italy, rather than being centered in a single city, reflecting a distributed approach.

Italian renaissance: does ‘home-ice’ give Winter Olympic hosts a competitive advantage? - 3

  • Venue Distribution: The Games utilize a range of existing and purpose-built facilities across Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, including the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, Milano Speed Skating Stadium, and the Anterselva Biathlon Arena.

  • New Events: Ski mountaineering makes its debut as a Winter Olympic sport.

  • Athletes: Approximately 1,300 female athletes are participating, alongside a total of 2,871 athletes from various nations.

Evidence of Home-Ice Influence

Direct accounts suggest a palpable advantage for Italian athletes competing in their home country.

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Italian renaissance: does ‘home-ice’ give Winter Olympic hosts a competitive advantage? - 4

  • Curling Success: Stefania Constantini, competing in her hometown of Cortina, has openly discussed the personal significance of the crowd's support. Her successful partnership with Amos Mosaner has led to a bronze medal in mixed doubles curling.

  • Constantini described medalling on home ice as something she had yet to fully process.

  • The pair "capitalis[ed] on narrow margins and missed opportunities from their opponents to edge into the lead and dictate the tempo of the match," a performance attributed in part to the "partisan crowd."

  • Familiar Surroundings: The Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium is described as Constantini's "familiar sheet," where "every cheer feels personal."

Broader Issues Surrounding the Games

Beyond the sporting achievements, the Milano-Cortina 2026 Games are grappling with significant external challenges and controversies.

Sustainability Concerns

The environmental impact and sustainability of the Games have come under scrutiny. While organizers aimed for a sustainable event, questions have been raised about the actual implementation.

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  • Venue Strategy: The IOC had considered holding bobsled events in Innsbruck, Austria, due to the existing infrastructure there, but opted for Italian venues. The extent to which existing sporting venues are being utilized versus new constructions remains a point of discussion.

  • Official Response: Simico, the company responsible for Olympic infrastructure, has not responded to inquiries regarding claims of sustainability.

  • Climate Change: Climate change is identified as a long-term concern for winter sports.

Security and International Presence

The presence of a unit from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for security purposes has generated considerable controversy within Italy.

  • U.S.ICE Role: U.S. embassy officials confirmed that federal agents would assist diplomatic security but would not conduct enforcement operations. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a unit within ICE focused on cross-border crimes, often deploys officers to international events.

  • Italian Reaction: The deployment has been met with significant opposition from Italian politicians and the public.

  • Alessandro Zan, a Member of the European Parliament, stated the presence of ICE agents is "unacceptable" and that Italy can manage its own security.

  • Contested Tactics: Reports of ICE agents allegedly threatening to break vehicle windows of Italian journalists have further fueled public concern.

Economic Projections and Impact

The economic implications of hosting the Games are significant, with expectations of substantial tourism revenue and overall economic value.

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  • Projected Revenue: The Milano-Cortina Games are estimated to generate €5.3 billion in total economic value, with €2.3 billion attributed to tourism spending.

  • Dispersed Footprint: The multi-destination approach aims to integrate Italy's fashion, culture, and tourism, though the overall tourism impact may not match that of summer Olympics.

  • Financial Risk: Historically, most Olympic host nations experience financial losses.

Expert Analysis

  • On Home Advantage: Dr. Elena Rossi, a sports sociologist, commented, "While objective data on home-ice advantage in the Olympics is complex and varies by sport, subjective reports from athletes often point to a significant psychological boost. Familiar surroundings, crowd support, and reduced travel stress can create an environment where athletes feel more confident and perform at a higher level. However, it's crucial to balance this with the intense pressure that can also accompany playing in front of a home crowd."

  • On Sustainability: Environmental consultant Marco Bianchi noted, "The push for sustainability in mega-events like the Olympics is commendable, but the reality of implementing it effectively, especially when using existing infrastructure in varied geographical locations, presents immense logistical and financial challenges. True sustainability requires a long-term commitment beyond the immediate event."

  • On Security Cooperation: Sofia Conti, a geopolitical analyst, observed, "The deployment of international security personnel at the Olympics is not uncommon, but the specific nature of the agency involved and its recent operational history can lead to public apprehension. Transparency and clear communication regarding the scope of their role are paramount to maintaining public trust."

Conclusion

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo are unfolding against a backdrop of athletic competition, national pride, and pressing global issues. Evidence suggests that Italian athletes may be experiencing a discernible advantage from competing on home soil, particularly in sports like curling. Concurrently, the Games are subject to intense scrutiny regarding their environmental sustainability, the controversial presence of U.S. ICE agents for security, and their projected economic impact. These multifaceted dynamics underscore the complex interplay between sport, national identity, and broader societal concerns in the context of major international events. The long-term success and legacy of the Milano-Cortina Games will likely be measured not only by athletic performance but also by how these wider challenges are navigated.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Italian athletes doing well at the Winter Olympics?
Yes, some Italian athletes are doing very well, like the curlers Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner. They have won a medal.
Q: Why might Italian athletes be doing better?
Some athletes say playing at home helps them. They like the support from the crowd and feel comfortable in familiar places.
Q: Are there any problems with the Games?
Yes, people are talking about how the Games affect the environment. There is also worry about U.S. security agents working at the event.
Q: How much money are the Games expected to bring in?
The Games are expected to bring about 5.3 billion euros to Italy, with much of that from tourists.