The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are underway, with six medal events scheduled for today, February 14th. Italian hopes are particularly high in short track speed skating, freestyle skiing, and figure skating, while a challenging slalom course in Bormio saw one Italian athlete eliminated early. The day’s competitions promise a mix of thrilling action and potential podium finishes for the host nation.
Italy is pinning its hopes on veteran short track skater Arianna Fontana in the women’s 1000m final (scheduled for 12:47 local time). Flora Tabanelli will compete in the big air freestyle final at 20:17, and the pairs figure skating team of Sara Conti and Niccolò Macii aim to contend for a medal at 20:00. However, the day began with disappointment for Alex Vinatzer, who failed to complete the first run of the men’s slalom.
Slalom Disappointment for Vinatzer
Alex Vinatzer’s Olympic campaign hit a snag in the first run of the men’s slalom in Bormio. According to reports, Vinatzer nearly lost control early in the course and ultimately failed to finish the run. The challenging conditions, marked by heavy snowfall, contributed to difficulties for several competitors. The official results from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) confirm Vinatzer’s disqualification from the first run. FIS Website
Challenging Conditions in Bormio
Heavy snowfall is significantly impacting the men’s slalom competition in Bormio. Four athletes – Rassat, Pinheiro Braathen, Hallberg, and Feller – did not finish the first run. Norwegian skier Henrik McGrath currently leads with a time of 56.14 seconds, 0.59 seconds ahead of Swiss competitor Marco Meillard. Kristoffersen (Norway) and Noel (France) follow in third and fourth place, respectively. The race organizers have adjusted the interval between skiers to account for the deteriorating visibility.
Adding to the drama, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, the reigning giant slalom gold medalist, also experienced a setback, failing to complete the course. Reuters reported on the unexpected turn of events.
Italian Start Times in the Slalom
The four Italian skiers competing in the slalom will start in the following order: Alex Vinatzer (did not finish first run), Tobias Kastlunger (bib number 34), Tommaso Sala (bib number 23), and Tommaso Saccardi (bib number 37). The race is proceeding with 96 athletes on the start list.
Medal Prospects in Short Track, Freestyle, and Figure Skating
Beyond the slalom, Italy has strong medal contenders in other events. Arianna Fontana, a multiple Olympic medalist, is a favorite in the women’s 1000m short track final. Flora Tabanelli will be looking to make her mark in the big air freestyle competition, while Sara Conti and Niccolò Macii aim to deliver a strong performance in the pairs figure skating event. The figure skating competition is scheduled to begin at 20:00 local time.
Earlier today, Italian skier Sofia Goggia spoke to the press about her recovery from injury, stating, “I would trade both gold medals for my health before the injury.” Corriere.it reported on her comments.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue to deliver compelling competition and emotional moments. The focus now shifts to the short track, freestyle, and figure skating events, where Italian athletes will strive to add to the medal count. Fans can follow the action live throughout the day as athletes battle for Olympic glory.
What comes next for the Italian team? Attention will turn to the upcoming events in bobsleigh and luge, where Italy has historically performed well. The coming days promise further excitement and opportunities for Italian athletes to shine on the Olympic stage. Share your thoughts on today’s events and predictions for the rest of the games in the comments below.
