Live 2026 Winter Olympics Updates: Swiss Training Snubs, Hockey, Curling & Alpine Highlights

In the hours leading up to the opening ceremony of the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Games, Swiss athletes were in the spotlight across several disciplines, while the Olympic flame made its final Italian leg and a series of unexpected incidents unfolded.

Swiss biathlon mixed relay line‑up

For the mixed relay in Anterselva on Sunday, Switzerland will field Sebastian Stalder, Niklas Hartweg, newcomer Lea Meier and Amy Baserga. Stalder opens the 4 × 6 km race and Baserga anchors the team. Meier replaces Lena Häcki‑Gross for her Olympic debut. The Swiss quartet finished eighth in the same event at the 2022 Beijing Games, where both Baserga and Stalder also competed.

Alleged “penile enlargement” doping method in ski jumping

Anti‑doping officials announced an investigation into rumours that some ski jumpers might be using hyaluronic‑acid or paraffin injections to temporarily enlarge the penis, a practise purportedly aimed at increasing aerodynamic surface area. The theory was first reported by the German newspaper Bild and referenced a statement by Dr Kamran Karim of Maria‑Hilf Hospital near Düsseldorf, who warned of potential risks. WADA chief Olivier Niggli said the agency would examine any evidence that links the method to doping.

Final downhill training on the Stelvio

Swiss downhill stars Marco Odermatt, Franjo von Allmen and Alexis Monney took a last run on the Stelvio course on Friday morning. Several top contenders – including Italy’s Mattia Casse, Kitzbühel winner Giovanni Franzoni, USA’s Ryan Cochran‑Siegle, France’s Maxence Muzaton and Switzerland’s Niels Hintermann – stayed at the hotel and did not train. Stefan Rogentin qualified for the Saturday race by posting the fastest time at the “San Pietro” wall, edging out Hintermann by four‑tenths of a second.

Swiss competition schedule before the opening ceremony

Key events featuring Swiss teams on Friday include the mixed curling match against Italy at 10:05, the women’s downhill ski training at 11:30 and the women’s ice‑hockey game versus the Czech Republic at 14:40. The Swiss women’s hockey squad, aiming for a medal twelve years after the Sochi success, will also be on display.

Olympic flame reaches Milan

The torch, carried by dancer Nicoletta Manni, arrived in Milan after covering roughly 12 000 km across Italy. Thousands gathered at the Duomo to watch the flame, while a separate crowd of about a thousand observed from a distance due to a heavy police presence. The ceremony was delayed by about 75 minutes and took place under light rain, complicating rehearsals for the opening event.

Protests accompany the flame

Pro‑Palestinian demonstrators unfurled flags near the torchbearers, following a Greenpeace action earlier that day targeting the Games’ energy sponsor, Italian oil company Eni. Additional protestors displayed banners supporting Palestine and criticizing sponsors, but the flame’s route remained uninterrupted.

Swiss curling mixed doubles performance

At Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Swiss mixed doubles pair Briar Schwaller‑Hürlimann and Yannick Schwaller lost 7‑4 to the United States before rebounding with an 8‑5 victory over South Korea. Their next round‑robin match against Italy is scheduled for 10:05 on Friday.

Sabotage at the Milan Olympic Village

Investigators discovered that the drainage pipes of showers in 70 rooms of the newly built Olympic Village were deliberately pierced with a mechanical tool between December 2025 and January 2026. The breach was uncovered during hydraulic tests when water leaked from a ground‑floor ceiling. Access to the village is supposed to be limited to badge‑holding workers under private security, prompting the Digos anti‑terrorism police and Milan’s anti‑terrorism prosecutor’s office to open an inquiry.

Swiss medal expectations

Analysts project that the Swiss delegation could bring home 18 medals across the Games. The schedule of potential podium finishes has been outlined to help fans follow the athletes’ performances.

Odermatt’s call for a “balanced” Olympics

World Cup leader Marco Odermatt remarked that the Games should strike a balance between “absurdly large investments” and a “sustainable approach.” He lamented the lack of Olympic atmosphere in Bormio, where the men’s alpine events are isolated from the main venues, and suggested that the spirit may develop over time.

Women’s ice‑hockey tournament postponed

The scheduled match between Finland and Canada on Thursday at 14:30 has been delayed due to an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis among the Finnish squad. Only ten players, including two goalkeepers, were able to train, while the remaining thirteen are in quarantine. Tournament rules require seventeen eligible players, so the game is expected to be rescheduled for 12 February at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the members of Switzerland’s mixed biathlon relay team?

The quartet consists of Sebastian Stalder (first leg), Niklas Hartweg, Lea Meier (making her Olympic debut) and Amy Baserga (anchor).

What is the alleged doping method being investigated in ski jumping?

Authorities are examining claims that some ski jumpers may be using injections of hyaluronic‑acid or paraffin to temporarily enlarge the penis, potentially improving aerodynamic performance. The investigation follows a report by the German newspaper Bild and comments from Dr Kamran Karim.

Why was the women’s ice‑hockey match between Finland and Canada postponed?

The Finnish team experienced several cases of acute gastroenteritis, leaving only ten players able to train. Since the tournament requires at least seventeen eligible players, the match will be replayed on 12 February at 14:30.

How do you think these developments will shape Switzerland’s chances at the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Games?