Milano-Cortina 2026: The ‘Olympic Blue Monday’ & Post-Games Emotional Impact
The emotional high of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games has concluded, and with it comes a potential psychological letdown for many Italians. Experts are warning of a phenomenon dubbed “Olimpic Blue Monday,” or the “post-Olympic emptiness syndrome”—a sense of sadness and void following the intense excitement of the Games.
The Psychological Impact of the Games
According to psychiatrist Claudio Mencacci, co-president of the Italian Society of Neuropsychopharmacology (Sinpf) and former president of the Italian Psychiatric Society (Sip), the Olympics are far more than just a sporting event. They represent a collective experience with significant emotional and media impact. During the competitions, our brains enter a state of “high attention,” creating collective anticipation and excitement, fueled by the hope of seeing an athlete reach the podium.
Mencacci explains that medals, particularly gold, generate not only joy for the winning athletes but also a sense of belonging and participation among the public. The empathy felt towards athletes like skier Lindsey Vonn after her injury is a prime example. The success of the Italian team, highlighted by Federica Brignone’s double gold and the respectful acknowledgement from her teammates, further amplified this national excitement.
The Rollercoaster of Competition
The emotional impact wasn’t limited to victories. The story of American figure skater Ilia Malinin resonated deeply with millions. His experience—a rapid descent into psychological distress followed by a remarkable recovery—demonstrated the human side of elite competition. Malinin, overwhelmed by the pressure of training and expectations, experienced a significant setback, vividly captured in a now-removed post and the visible despair of his father and coach. However, he rebounded, delivering a captivating performance at the Games’ closing gala.
Malinin emphasized the importance of recognising the humanity behind athletic achievement, stating, “I want to show the world that we are also human beings—we have real thoughts, real feelings, even if it seems like we are completely like robots (with) superhuman abilities.” He plans to use the next four years to refine his approach, with his sights set on the French Alps in 2030.
What Comes Next?
Now that the Games have ended, Mencacci warns of a shift from “high attention” to a sense of emptiness. The routines, rituals, and collective excitement fade, returning individuals to a “more flat” normal life. This could manifest as apathy, melancholy, or simply nostalgia. It may take time to rediscover new interests and sources of stimulation.
Mencacci hopes the Milano-Cortina Games will inspire Italians to embrace sports, recognising its benefits for both physical and mental well-being. He concludes by framing the Olympics as a “secular ceremony,” echoing their ancient role in marking a return to civic and political life after a sacred rite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Olimpic Blue Monday”?
“Olimpic Blue Monday” is the term used to describe the sense of emptiness and sadness that some people may experience after the conclusion of the Olympic Games.
How do the Olympics affect the brain?
During the Games, the brain enters a state of “high attention,” characterized by anticipation, excitement, and a collective hope for athletic success.
What happened with Ilia Malinin during the Games?
Ilia Malinin experienced a psychological setback during the Games, but he was able to recover and deliver a captivating performance at the closing gala, emphasizing the importance of recognising the human side of athletic competition.
As the excitement of the Milano-Cortina Games fades, what new passions and routines will fill the void for athletes and fans alike?