Lara Colturi is only 19 years old, but she's already one of the world's best slalom skiers, with four podium finishes in this season's World Cup. She heads into the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina with the chance of making history, by becoming Albania's first Winter Olympic medallist.

Keep up with all the medals handed out during the 2026 Milano Cortina games.

The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics officially get underway on Friday, February 6, with the Opening Ceremony, which features the flag bearers from every participating country making the march alongside the country’s flag and their countrymates who will be

Of the 122 current National Olympic Committees (NOCs) that have ever sent athletes to the Winter Olympic Games, 92 are competing in Milan Cortina. The bid to win a medal is more elusive for some than others.

The Winter Olympics promise plenty of high adrenaline, fierce competition, historic firsts and emotional moments over 2 1/2 weeks. Here are some of the names and narratives to keep an eye on.