Then begins the race for most medals at the world event in Italy. While the United States has the most medals in the Summer Olympics, the same can't be said for the Winter Olympics. The Americans have had their fair share of success but have the second-most medals all-time since the inaugural Winter Olympics in 1924.

The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics have kicked off, with the opening ceremony taking place in San Siro, the largest stadium in Italy.

Some 2,900 athletes from more than 90 countries will compete on snow and ice over the next 16 days.