The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics kicked off Wednesday, as eight countries took the ice for mixed doubles curling. Team USA's debut, however, would have to wait until Thursday, when it took on Norway, which won the silver medal in mixed doubles at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing.

The United States has the most athletes competing in the Winter Olympics, but is not favored to win the gold medal race.

Athletes from around the world are arriving in Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which begins on February 6.

While the opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympics begin on Friday, the events actually got underway on Wednesday.

Most countries that have competed at the Winter Olympics have taken home medals in multiple sports over the years. There are also some that have emerged

The USA routed Czechia 5-1 in their Olympics women's hockey opener. Hayley Scamurra scored twice and Hilary Knight had a goal.

One of the most anticipated sports at every Winter Olympics is ice hockey. Women's hockey, in particular, comes into the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics with surging momentum thanks to the popularity of the Professional Women's Hockey League following its launch in 2023.