Sliding Sports Return Cortina

Ever since the iconic shadow of the Dolomites hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina d’Ampezzo has been synonymous with grace under snow and speed on ice. Now, more than six decades later, this picturesque Italian resort is preparing to make history once again. Sliding sportsbobsleigh, luge, and skeletonare officially heading back to where it all began, and the 2026 Winter Olympics are set to unleash a thrilling chapter in Cortina’s alpine legacy.

From Faded Legacy to Fast-Tracked Future

The original Eugenio Monti track, a serpentine ribbon of ice kissed by the curves of the mountains, was once a crown jewel for Italian winter sports. But since its closure in 2008, sliding in Cortina has been on a slippery slope downwarduntil now. After months of logistical wrestling and speculation, the decision has been made: a new, modernized sliding track will be built in Cortina, reviving a storied past while racing into the future.

“It’s more than just an infrastructure decision,” said a senior official from the Milan-Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee, “It’s about cultural heritage, community spirit, and competitive ambition.”

An Olympic Game Changer

This development has shifted the Olympic blueprint significantly. Originally, sliding sports for the upcoming Winter Games were to be outsourced to St. Moritz in Switzerland due to Cortina’s dormant facilities. That would’ve marked the first time in history an Olympic host ceded such a major event to another sovereign nation. But after further cost-benefit analysis and local lobbying, Italy circled back to its own historic gem.

And what a pivot it is. The new track is expected to be a state-of-the-art, IOC-compliant venue, preserving the topography of the original while integrating modern innovations. It’s not just about nostalgia; this is a competitive upgrade aimed at reducing travel, supporting local economies, andmost cruciallybolstering Italy’s long-term place on the icy world stage.

The Sliding Sports Trifecta

Bobsleigh: With its rocket-like rush and synchronized power, the high-speed discipline demands engineering perfection and athlete precision. For Italy, whose men’s four-man team famously put themselves on the sledding map in the 1960s, this is a homecoming of epic proportions.

Luge: The sport of icy ballet at 130 km/h, luge is speed, control, and reckless elegance all in one. With Cortina back on the map, Italian luge athletes may finally have consistent home conditions to hone their craft without crossing borders.

Skeleton: With nothing but a suit, a sled, and 90-degree bends, skeleton epitomizes the fearless geometry of Olympic sport. It’s a spectator magnetfast-paced, dramatic, and Instagram-friendly. Cortina’s new course could become a testing ground for a new generation of daredevils.

A Question of Purpose and Legacy

Opponents of the plan have raised legitimate concerns about the financial implications, citing that temporary or alternate venues would be more cost-effective. Sustainability advocates have also warned of the environmental impact on the dolomitic terrain. But organizers argue the decision goes beyond logisticsit’s about honing a full-circle winter sports identity for Italy.

“A lot of countries have snow,” said a spokesperson, “but not all countries have a history like ours. This is about bringing that story back to life.”

Rebuilding Ice Dreams

The timeline is tight. Construction is expected to ramp up swiftly to meet an early 2025 deadline to begin testinga full year ahead of the Games. That allows for international training schedules and qualifying events to lock in. Given the altitude, the terrain, and Italy’s track record with stadium-ready delays (yes, we noticed the irony too), there is cautious optimism at best.

But in a post-pandemic sports universe where audience engagement and national pride matter as much as medals, the ambition is commendable. Italy isn’t just betting on this track for 2026; it’s eyeing a legacy that could serve generations of sliders.

Return to Cortina: More Than Just a Track

In the romantic snow globe that is Cortina, this track revival is more than an Olympic updateit’s a narrative of return, resilience, and reinvention. It reintegrates Italy into the elite fraternity of sliding sport hosts while giving a nostalgic nod to the legendslike Eugenio Monti himselfwho once thundered down these alpine veins.

Sliding sports are back where they belongon a track that remembers, reinvents, and ultimately, revives.

“Speed has a memory. And in Cortina, it’s about to come alive again.”

Milano Cortina 2026 Guide

Italy is ready for its second Winter Olympics everand what a return it’s shaping up to be. From the fashion capital of Milan to the snow-covered peaks of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games promises a stunning fusion of world-class sport, Alpine elegance, and a generous helping of dolce vita. Andiamo!

The Italian Job: A Tale of Two Cities (and Then Some)

Unlike the single-city formats of Games past, Milano Cortina 2026 will unfold across not one, not two, but multiple premier locations sprinkled across northern Italy. While Milan and Cortina steal the show in the branding, events will be scattered across Bormio, Livigno, Verona, and Baselga di Piné. It’s not just a sporting eventit’s a bona fide alpine road trip.

Forget the logistics nightmarethis setup is part of the charm. One day it’s ski jumping under the shadow of the Dolomites, the next it’s curling in a futuristic arena in Milan. And with four years to streamline travel infrastructure, Italy is betting on efficiency with a side of espresso.

What’s New, What’s Classic

The 2026 edition of the Winter Olympics is mixing heritage with novelty. For the purists, legendary venues from the 1956 Cortina Games are making a return, refurbished and retrofitted. Yes, the ghost of Toni Sailer still lingers in these mountains.

Modernity takes form in Milan’s brand-new hockey and figure skating venuessleek, sustainable, and with just enough architectural drama to remind you you’re in the beating heart of global design. There’s also the opening ceremony slotted for the historic San Siro Stadium, where football legends have treadand soon, the world’s winter sports elite will follow.

Debuts Worth Watching

• Freestyle skiing big air – Making its Olympic debut indoorsyes, indoorsin Milan. Extreme sporting sophistication on display.
• Gender parity – A first for the Winter Games with an even 50/50 split of male and female athletes. Bravi!
• New sliding centre – Actually, scratch that. There won’t be oneplans for a new bobsleigh track were iced due to budget woes. Athletes will head to St. Moritz, Switzerland instead. Ciao, neutrality!

Tickets, Travel, and Tiramisu

Tickets for Milano Cortina 2026 are expected to go on sale during the second half of 2025. And when they do, they’ll be as coveted as a front-row Prada seat during Milan Fashion Week. Plan aheadthis is one Games where winter sports meet luxury tourism.

Getting There

• By Air: Milan is served by two major airportsMalpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN), while nearby Bergamo (BGY) may offer budget-friendly options.
• By Train: Trenitalia is your best friend here, with high-speed routes connecting Milan to Verona, Venice, and Alpine areas.
• By Car: If you’re venturing to Cortina or Livigno, a rental car gives you scenic freedom (and perhaps a few hairpin turns).

Where to Stay

Whether you’re snuggling into a ski chalet in Cortina, booking a sleek suite in Milan’s fashion quarter, or cozying up in a rustic rifugio in the Dolomites, Italy offers luxury layered with authenticity.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to follow multiple sports across towns, base yourself centrally in Milan or Verona, then day-trip north as needed. The trains run fastand the views are utterly cinematic.

Food and Après-Sport Fun

If there’s one thing you can count on besides medals, it’s remarkable dining. Think fresh pasta in Milan, polenta in Cortina, and mountain cheeses that deserve podium finishes of their own. Wash it down with a Barolo or a crisp Alto Adige white, and congratulate yourself on surviving the cold. This is Italyeven the snow tastes better here.

After the day’s competition, towns like Bormio and Cortina come alive with après-ski revelry, stylish locals, and out-of-this-world scenery. Picture sipping Negronis by a fireplace while snowflakes dance outside. Beats watching another Netflix rerun.

Sustainability Goals (and the Not-So-Icy Bits)

Milano Cortina 2026 is aiming to be one of the greenest Games to date. Italy’s bid touted reuse of 93% of existing venues, a circular economy for waste, and electric mobility initiatives.

But it’s not without critics. Environmental groups have pointed to ski area expansions and infrastructure projects that may hurt delicate Alpine ecosystems. The organizers counter with “legacy usage” argumentsthe hope is that local communities benefit for decades to come from upgraded sports and transport venues.

Legacy and La Dolce Vita

Beyond medals and national anthems, the Milano Cortina Games are about showcasing Italy’s modern identity to a global audiencea country that reveres tradition but moves with style and innovation. Expect these Games to feel different. More like a Giorgio Armani runway than a raucous beer-soaked sports festbut with all the emotion and triumph intact.

From the soaring ski jumps to the perfectly choreographed figure skating routines, this is sport elevated by culturefiercely competitive, yes, but with eleganza.

Ready, Set, Spettacolo!

With fewer than two years to go, the countdown to Milano Cortina 2026 is well underway. The world gets not only another chance to celebrate winter sports but also a golden ticket to experience the soul of Italyone village, one piste, one pasta dish at a time.

Pack your gloves and your sartorial flair. This isn’t just the next Winter Olympicsit’s la più bella.

Sin-Rong Lin Switches Sports

For many athletes, changing sports is akin to changing identities. But for Sin-Rong Lin, blazing trails is practically a sport in itself. The 25-year-old Taiwanese athlete, known for putting Taiwan on the luge map, is now shifting gearsliterallyand setting her sights on bobsleigh as she eyes a history-making qualification for Milano-Cortina 2026.

From Icy Tracks to Freezing Runs

Sin-Rong Lin isn’t new to gravity-defying speed. Representing Chinese Taipei in luge at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, she made headlines not just for participating, but for being the first female luger from her country ever to qualify for the Olympics. Though she finished 34th in women’s singles, her impact went far beyond the result. She inspired a new generation of winter sports enthusiasts in a nation far better known for its summer athletes and tropical climate.

Now, after a storied run on the sled, Lin is trading her luge sled for a bobsleigh. It’s the athletic equivalent of a violinist picking up a cellosimilar in principle, but an entirely different beast in execution.

Tokyo to Torino – The Unexpected Journey

Born in Taichung, Taiwan, Lin’s foray into luge was an unconventional one. A lover of speed and winter sports, she first competed internationally in 2015 and slowly built her credentials by participating in regional and World Cup events. Her determination and grit were as evident as the ice she raced onwhat she lacked in resources, she made up for in resilience.

Now she faces a new challenge in the form of bobsleigh, a team sport requiring not just breakneck speed and nerves of steel, but also teamwork and explosive power.

“Transitioning from luge to bobsleigh is tough,”

Lin says. “But I love pushing my limits and learning something newthis is me going all in for the dream.”

Milano-Cortina in Sight

Lin’s ambition isn’t just to compete. She’s chasing history. If she qualifies for Milano-Cortina 2026, she would become the first Taiwanese woman to represent Chinese Taipei in two different winter sports disciplinesluge and bobsleighat the Olympic Games.

To achieve this, Lin is training primarily in Europe, collaborating with international teams, and working closely with coaches who specialize in developing athletes for rapid transitions. Her days are now filled with weight training, sprint work, icehouse practice, and high-intensity sled pushes down bobsleigh start tracks. It’s less about finesse now and more about raw power and timing.

Building a Legacy Through Ice and Steel

This move isn’t just career evolution; it’s a statement. Lin’s audacious jump to bobsleigh focuses attention on two fronts: the versatility of athletes in underrepresented countries and the importance of sport infrastructure in Asia’s lesser-known winter sport nations.

Taiwan has no full-length luge or bobsleigh track, which means Lin has always faced uphill battlesfiguratively, at least. But the icy curves of elite tracks across Europe have become a second home. Every frozen run, loaded sled, and off-season weight lifted is part of a broader mission: to prove that Taiwanese winter sports athletes have arrived and are here to stay.

The Bigger Picture

Lin’s switch to bobsleigh is a bold move, but it’s also a calculated one. With the experience of navigating high-speed tubes solo, she now seeks the thrills and camaraderie of spearheading a two or four-woman sled team. Her story is about more than medalsit’s about legitimacy, representation, and rewriting what’s possible when passion meets fearless ambition.

Whether she’ll hear the roar of Olympic crowds again in 2026 remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Sin-Rong Lin has already won hearts and respect, not just in Taiwan, but throughout the winter sports community worldwide.

A Trail of Her Own

Sport switches are risky business. They require unlearning, relearning, and a healthy dose of humility. But Lin, with her grit-forged athleticism and trailblazing roots, is proving that sometimes, the fastest way forward is to take a turn sidewaysand maybe, just maybe, hop into a heavy, rocket-shaped sled while you’re at it.

Milano-Cortina 2026 may still be two years away, but Lin has already shifted into high gear. While the world watches and waits with bated breath, one thing’s guaranteed: Sin-Rong Lin will never stay in one lane for long.

India’s Winter Olympics Hope

When you think of India and sports, images of cricket stadiums, packed hockey fields, and rising badminton stars often come to mind. But amid the subcontinent’s sweaty summers and sun-soaked pastures, a young man has been carving arcs of snow high in the European Alpschasing a dream that’s ice-cold and steep: the Winter Olympics. Welcome back to center stage, Arif Mohammad Khan, India’s alpine spearhead at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

From the Slopes of Gulmarg to the World Stage

Born and raised in the snowy serenity of Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, Arif is no stranger to snow-covered slopes. Where most kids learn to balance on bikes, he was fine-tuning his skiing technique on the rugged Himalayan terrain. Fast forward a couple of decades, and the now 33-year-old has etched his name in Indian skiing folkloreand he’s not done yet.

This week, Khan qualified for the Slalom event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, securing his position through top-tier performances across FIS-recognized events. As per the Fédération Internationale de Ski & Snowboard (FIS), he was confirmed eligible with an updated Olympic quota list dated March 18, 2024.

At a glance, it might seem like just another qualification. But zoom in, and you’ll see what it actually isa blizzard of resilience, discipline, and unshakable belief.

Skiing Uphill in a Cricket-Crazy Nation

Let’s not sugarcoat italpine skiing is a sport largely undone by its physical and climatic constraints in India. That’s what makes Arif’s qualification so Olympic in itself. Training abroad, chasing sponsorships, and navigating a bureaucratic maze wouldn’t be most athletes’ idea of “fun,” but Arif has never taken the easy trail down the mountain.

In 2022, he became India’s only athlete to compete in the Beijing Winter Olympics. He marked his presence with fierce determination in two alpine skiing disciplinesSlalom and Giant Slalom. Although he didn’t snag a medal, his mere attendance signified a nation planting its flag into snow-laden landscapes where it had barely stepped before.

All Eyes on Milan-Cortina

With the 2026 Winter Games less than two years away, the pressure buildsbut so does the excitement. Khan will once again be going head-to-head with the world’s elite technical skiers. The Slalom, known for its rapid turns and merciless rhythm, demands not just physical agility but razor-sharp mental focus. One wobble, one arc too wide, and it’s game over. But Arif knows this dance well.

“The dream is not just to participate. It’s to compete… and compete with purpose,”

While many in Milan may glide in on well-funded skis and leave trails of commercial influence, Arif arrives with something far more magnetica backstory laced with grit and an entire nation leaning in with hopeful anticipation.

Support Begins at Home

Indian winter sports remain largely a self-funded frontier. While cricketers enjoy multi-million dollar endorsements and academies, athletes like Arif often rely on personal networks, passionate coaches, and goodwill. Olympics qualification is not just a medal chase; it’s a cry for attentiona request for investment, infrastructure, and vision.

Thankfully, the winds may be shifting. With the Sports Authority of India showing signs of increased investment in niche sports, and the country’s viewers warming up to global events beyond cricket, Arif may just find the support he needsboth for training and for inspiring the next generation to think beyond bat and ball.

Carving a New Path

India sending athletes to winter sports events may always seem like an anomaly, but that’s what makes it special. In a world increasingly dominated by short attention spans and instant gratification, Khan’s journeyuphill, both literally and metaphoricallyis a skier’s lesson in patience and perseverance.

For budding skiers in the snow-laced valleys of North India and curious athletes peeking outside the cricket nets for something different, Arif Mohammad Khan may just be the torchbearer they didn’t know they needed.

Final Thoughts: Not Just a Lone Skier

With his 2026 qualification, Arif Mohammad Khan isn’t just representing Indiahe’s representing possibility. He’s carrying the weight of a tropical nation’s winter dreams, slicing through ice to prove that talent knows no geography. So, come Milan-Cortina, he won’t just be skiing through gateshe’ll be breaking stereotypes, too.

Where most see snow as a barrier, Arif sees it as a runway. And come 2026, all of India will be watchinghearts in mouths, flags in hand, and hope, glimmering in the frost.

Chloe Kim Olympic Comeback

With snow crunching softly under her board and the wind howling through the peaks, Chloe Kim is gearing up to do what only a select few athletes have managed in sporting history: stage a triumphant return, not because she has tobut because she wants to. As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina loom on the horizon, Kim, the two-time Olympic gold medalist in halfpipe snowboarding, is sharpening her edge and rediscovering the joy that once made her a cultural phenomenon.

From Phenomenon to Pause Button

When Kim exploded onto the global stage at PyeongChang 2018 at just 17, her dazzling mastery in the halfpipe was matched only by her authenticity. Whether tweeting about breakfast or landing back-to-back 1080s, she was instantly relatableand on fire. But fame is a double black diamond course, and by 2022, after securing her second Olympic gold in Beijing, Kim hit pause on her boarding life.

Rather than slipping silently into the snow-dusted shadows, she made a surprising move: she stepped away. She cited exhaustionphysical, emotional, mental. A snowboarding superhero grappling with the kryptonite of burn-out. The bold decision shocked fans but revealed a maturity that few 20-something athletes have space or support to develop.

Finding the Fun Again

The time off was no idle retreat. Kim enrolled at Princeton University, explored new interests, andmost importantlyreconnected with herself off the halfpipe. She tapped into a rhythm of life often denied to elite athletes: rest without regret. And somewhere between campus life and letting go of competitive pressure, something unexpected happenedjoy crept back in.

“It took me a while to love snowboarding again,” Kim admitted. “But I eventually remembered why I did this in the first place. For me. For fun.”

That realization is not just refreshingit’s revolutionary. In a sporting culture that rewards early excellence and grooms prodigies into relentless machines, Chloe Kim hit pause to avoid burnout, and shocked the system by prioritizing mental wellness.

Rolling Back Into the Spotlight

Training has resumed, and while her Instagram may still feature cozy baking sessions and dog photos, her sharper edges are backliterally and figuratively. Kim recently confirmed she’s eyeing 2026 with that signature mix of swagger and self-awareness. She’s not chasing medals anymore. She’s chasing moments. That subtle mindset shift? It might be her most powerful gear yet.

Kim noted, “This comeback isn’t about proving anything. It’s about celebrating who I’ve become and doing something I still loveon my terms.”

The Mental Health Movement’s Face on a Snowboard

In stepping awayand then returningKim has inadvertently become a leader in a rising wave of athlete self-advocacy. Alongside contemporaries like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, she’s helping redefine what mental toughness actually looks like in modern sport. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t always involve pushing through everything.

With that said, make no mistakewhen Chloe Kim drops into a pipe, ankles coiled, eyes locked, she’s still an unrelenting force. If anything, this version might be the most dangerous yet. She’s not just a rider anymoreshe’s the author of her own narrative.

Beyond the Gold

Whether or not she adds another medal in 2026, Chloe Kim’s comeback has already accomplished something more enduring than hardware: reclaiming joy. And in doing so, she’s become a role model not just for aspiring snowboarders, but for anyone who’s ever been brave enough to ask, “what now?”

There’s poetry in snowboardinga language of movement, risk, and release. Kim, fluent in it since childhood, is now writing her second act in bold strokes. Sunny-side up.

“2026 isn’t about redemption or legacy,” Kim said with a grin. “It’s about living a full lifeand yeah, doing a few epic tricks in the process.”

The Icy Road Ahead

As the countdown to Milan-Cortina ticks on, Chloe Kim remains a captivating paradox: grounded and flying high, competitive yet content, intense but playful. And if her past has taught us anything, it’s that when she drops in, the world holds its breathand leans in.

Welcome back, Chloe. We missed the thunder in your turns.

2026 Olympic Contenders Revealed

The countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina is well and truly underway, and excitement is starting to build as nations unveil their most promising athletes. For Hungary, a country steadily growing in stature on the winter sports scene, all eyes are on the competitors who could make history on the grandest stage of them all.

From seasoned Olympians determined to add new accolades to their collection to fresh-faced challengers ready to shake up the competition, Hungary’s contingent is poised to make an impact. Let’s take a closer look at the athletes vying for glory in Italy.

Hungary’s Hottest Prospects for Milan-Cortina 2026

Shaoang Liu – Short Track Speed Skating Superstar

As the reigning Olympic champion in the 500m short track speed skating event, Shaoang Liu is undoubtedly Hungary’s biggest name heading into 2026. Having already cemented his legacy with multiple European and World Championship titles, Liu’s blistering pace and tactical brilliance make him a serious medal contender once again.

With the experience of competing at multiple Games under his belt, he carries Hungary’s hopes of more short track dominance into Milan-Cortina. If he maintains his razor-sharp form, he could add to his impressive medal collection.

John-Henry Krueger – The Skating Maverick

A Hungary-based American skater who changed nationality to compete for the European powerhouse, John-Henry Krueger is another key figure in the short track events. Having already tasted Olympic success with a silver medal for the USA back in 2018, Krueger is on a mission to deliver glory for his adopted homeland.

His experience and tactical awareness make him an indispensable figure for Hungary’s relay team, with hopes high for podium finishes both individually and in team events.

Petra Jászapáti – The Women’s Speed Queen

In women’s short track, Petra Jászapáti carries Hungary’s hopes of upsetting the established order. Consistently battling for top finishes on the international circuit, Jászapáti’s explosive speed and fearless approach make her a dark horse for a medal if everything clicks.

With the backing of Hungary’s strong skating coaching setup, expect her to be one of the biggest threats to the world’s elite.

Team Hungary’s Rising Stars to Watch

While Hungary’s best medal hopes may lie in speed skating, the nation is quietly building talent across other winter sports.

Zalán Kónya – Hungary’s Nordic Trailblazer

One of the most exciting developments in Hungarian winter sports is the emergence of Zalán Kónya, a cross-country skier determined to elevate the sport’s profile in his country. Competing against the might of the Nordic countries is no small task, but Kónya’s dedication and steady improvements signal a bright future.

Although an Olympic podium might still be a long shot in 2026, don’t be surprised if he pulls off some eye-catching performances.

Ski Jumping’s Next Generation

An exciting prospect in the world of ski jumping is on the rise. While Hungary is far from a traditional powerhouse in this discipline, young athletes are starting to make their mark under the guidance of international experts.

Though medals may be out of reach this time, they are laying the foundation for future Olympic campaigns.

Can Hungary Make History Again?

Following their breakthrough gold medal in the men’s short track speed skating relay at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, Hungary has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in winter sports.

The expectations for Milan-Cortina will be high, but with a mix of proven champions and hungry newcomers, there’s reason for optimism. Speed skaters like Shaoang Liu and John-Henry Krueger have the potential to bring more Olympic glory to Hungary, while emerging stars in other disciplines continue to push the boundaries.

Will Hungary add to its growing winter sports legacy in 2026? Only time will tell, but one thing is certainfans should be in for a thrilling journey.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be a proving ground for Hungary’s sporting elite. As the Games draw closer, all eyes will be on the country’s top athletes to see if they can skate, ski, and soar to Olympic glory.

One thing is for sureHungary is no longer just a winter sports outsider. Instead, it is building a formidable presence on the international stage, one breathtaking performance at a time.

With fierce competition and the drama of the world’s biggest sporting spectacle, Olympic fever is about to hit new heights. Buckle up, Hungaryit’s going to be one exciting ride.

Russian Skaters Banned Again

The International Skating Union (ISU) has delivered yet another crushing blow to Russian figure skaters. For the third consecutive year, athletes from Russia will be barred from the World Championships, and their absence from the 2026 Winter Olympics now appears all but certain. Ever since the initial suspension following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the country’s figure skaters have been watching from the sidelinesdespite their continued dominance in the sport.

No World Championships, No Olympics

While Russian officials had hoped for a pathway back to major international competitions, the ISU once again extended its sanctions. This means that when the world’s best take the ice at the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships, Russian skaterswho have historically been among the strongest contenderswill once again be left out in the cold.

Given that Olympic qualification largely depends on results from the World Championships, this latest decision effectively shuts the door on Russia’s participation in the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina. For a country that has dominated figure skating for decades, the continued ban amplifies frustration among Russian officials and athletes, who argue that sports should remain separate from political conflicts.

The Echoes of Beijing 2022

Russia’s absence from international skating competitions is an ongoing ripple effect of the fallout from the 2022 Beijing Olympics. The last time Russian athletes graced the global stage, the competition was overshadowed by the doping scandal surrounding Kamila Valieva, a 15-year-old skating prodigy. The chaos of that controversy saw the delayed medal ceremony for the team eventan event Russia had won.

In early 2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) officially stripped Russia (competing under the banner of the Russian Olympic Committee, or ROC) of its Olympic gold after it was determined that Valieva had violated anti-doping rules. The gold medal was ultimately awarded to the U.S. team, though many of the skaters admitted that the delayed decision stole much of the joy from their victory.

Russian Frustration Mounts

Russian skating officials and athletes have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the ISU’s prolonged suspension. Beyond figure skating, Russian and Belarusian athletes have been barred from a variety of international sporting competitions as part of broader sanctions. However, some federations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), have explored the possibility of allowing certain competitors to return under neutral status.

Despite these discussions, the ISU has remained firm in excluding Russian skaters from its marquee events. This unwavering stance has fueled frustration in Moscow, with many in the Russian sports world decrying what they see as political interference in sport.

Legendary Russian coach Eteri Tutberidzewho has trained multiple Olympic and World Championshas suggested that the continuous bans are unfairly punishing young athletes for issues far beyond their control. Meanwhile, Russian skating officials insist that their skaters are simply too good to be excluded indefinitely and that their absence diminishes the competitive field.

What’s Next for Russian Skaters?

As long as the ISU enforces the ban, Russian skaters will have to settle for domestic competitions. Since being expelled from international events, Russia has focused on strengthening its own DeepL-driven National Cup series, offering cash prizes and rankings similar to the Grand Prix circuit. However, this pales in comparison to the prestige of competing on a global stage.

Many younger athletes are left wondering whether they will ever get the chance to skate at the Olympics or the World Championships. With many of Russia’s top athletes known for short but spectacular careers, each missed year drastically impacts their window of opportunity.

The Road Ahead

The ISU’s decision signals that, at least for now, there is no immediate return for Russian skaters. The road back to international competition remains unclear, and unless political circumstances change significantly, Russian figure skaters could be facing a prolonged absence from global events.

As the countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics continues, one thing seems certain: the figure skating world will keep debating whether the sport is truly better off without one of its most dominant powerhouses. Until then, Russian skatersand their legions of fanswill be forced to watch from afar, waiting for a resolution that may not come anytime soon.

Kirsty Muir’s Olympic Dream

Scottish freestyle skiing star Kirsty Muir has taken another giant leap towards her Olympic aspirations after securing her first World Cup victory. The 19-year-old from Aberdeen clinched the top spot in Big Air at Copper Mountain, marking a historic moment in her young but already impressive career.

A Moment of Glory

For Muir, this win is more than just a milestone; it’s a testament to years of dedication, resilience, and sheer passion for her sport. Competing against some of the best in the world, she delivered a near-perfect performance, earning a winning score of 176.25 and edging out her closest rival, Canadian Megan Oldham.

“It feels amazing to get my first win,” said Muir, beaming with pride. “I just wanted to ski my best, and to come away with the victory means so much.”

From Aberdeen to the World Stage

Muir’s journey to the top has been nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in Aberdeen, she honed her skills on the slopes of Glenshee before bursting onto the international scene. At just 16, she showcased her enormous potential with a fifth-place finish at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, becoming one of Team GB’s standout athletes.

The momentum never stopped. Over the past two seasons, Muir has consistently pushed the boundaries, proving she belongs among the elite in freestyle skiing. Now, with her first World Cup win in the bag, all eyes are on what she can achieve next.

Eyes on Milano-Cortina 2026

With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina just two years away, Muir is setting her sights on one thing: an Olympic medal. Her breakthrough victory serves as both a confidence boost and a warning shot to her competition.

“The Olympics is definitely the big goal,” she admitted. “This win gives me so much motivation to keep working hard and improving every aspect of my skiing.”

The Support Behind the Success

Like any elite athlete, Muir’s rise to the top hasn’t been a solo effort. Support from her family, coaches, and Team GB has been instrumental in helping her navigate the demanding world of competitive freestyle skiing.

“The backing I’ve had from my team and everyone at home makes a huge difference,” Muir shared. “Knowing they’re in my corner keeps me pushing forward.”

What’s Next for Muir?

Following her World Cup triumph, Muir has no plans to slow down. With the Freestyle World Championships on the horizon, she is ready to take on new challenges and further establish herself as one of Britain’s brightest winter sports talents.

Her focus will now shift to refining her tricks, building consistency, and delivering under pressurekey ingredients that could see her standing on an Olympic podium in 2026.

A Role Model in the Making

Beyond her own ambitions, Muir is already inspiring the next generation of British freestyle skiers. By proving that success on the world stage is possible for athletes from the UK, she is paving the way for aspiring riders to follow in her tracks.

“What Kirsty is doing for British skiing is huge. She’s showing young athletes that they can compete and win at the very highest level,” said a spokesperson from Snowsport Scotland.

Final Thoughts

Kirsty Muir’s journey is just getting started, but her recent World Cup triumph is a glimpse of what’s to come. From a promising teenager to a dominant force in freestyle skiing, she is well on her way to becoming an Olympic medal contender.

As the countdown to Milano-Cortina 2026 begins, one thing is certainKirsty Muir is ready to take on the world. And if her latest victory is anything to go by, she’s only getting started.