Winter Olympics 2024: Live Updates & Medal Chances | Canada
The Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games opened with a record‑breaking ceremony at San Siro, drawing more than 61,000 ticket‑holders and an additional 10,000 spectators at satellite venues.
Opening ceremony sparks debate over performance practices
Pop star Mariah Carey’s brief appearance generated both applause for her vocal range and a wave of online criticism. Viewers questioned why an Italian artist was not featured and pointed to a large teleprompter that displayed phonetic cues for the Italian lyrics “Volare” and “Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu.” When pressed about possible lip‑syncing, Milan Cortina’s director of ceremonies Maria Laura Iascone said the team “always records performances ahead of time for internationally broadcast events” and praised Carey as “really extraordinary,” without confirming whether she sang live.
Canadian athletes capture attention in unexpected ways
Biathlon newcomer Adam Runnalls from Calgary turned his Olympic journey into a social‑media phenomenon, announcing a goal to finish knitting a sweater by the closing ceremony. His Instagram following swelled from roughly 1,600 to 10,000 within a few days, as fellow knitters offered advice and encouragement. Runnalls will compete in up to six biathlon events, beginning with the mixed relay at Antholz‑Anterselva.
In freestyle skiing, Canadians Megan Oldham and Naomi Urness secured spots in the women’s slopestyle final, with Oldham posting a 61.09‑point run to place seventh and Urness improving to 58.40 points to claim the eighth slot. Their performances keep Canada in contention for its first gold in the discipline.
Meanwhile, Canada’s mixed‑doubles curling duo of Brett Gallant and Jocelyn Peterman fell 7‑5 to Great Britain, dropping the team to a 3‑2 round‑robin record. The loss follows an earlier defeat to the United States, underscoring the tight competition for a medal‑round berth.
Early results highlight challenges for Canadian skiers
In the men’s downhill, Switzerland’s Franjo von Allmen claimed gold with a time of 1:51.61, edging out Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni (silver) and veteran Dominik Paris (bronze). The four Canadian skiers—Crawford, Cameron Alexander, Brodie Seger and Jeffrey Read—expressed disappointment after making mistakes on the demanding Stelvio course.
What lies ahead for Canada at Milan Cortina?
If Runnalls completes his sweater, the knitting narrative could boost fan engagement and provide a unique morale boost for the Canadian biathlon team. Success in slopestyle may propel Oldham and Urness into medal contention, while the curling squad must win remaining round‑robin games to stay in the top four. In alpine skiing, any adjustments to technique could allow Canadian athletes to rebound in subsequent events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did viewers suspect Mariah Carey was lip‑syncing?
The suspicion stemmed from a prominent teleprompter displaying phonetic Italian lyrics and online comments noting the absence of an Italian singer. Director Maria Laura Iascone said performances are often recorded in advance for safety but did not confirm live vocals.
How many Canadians are competing in the men’s downhill?
Four Canadian skiers—Crawford, Cameron Alexander, Brodie Seger and Jeffrey Read—took part in the event.
What is the time difference between Canada and Milan?
Italy is six hours ahead of Toronto (Eastern Time) and nine hours ahead of Vancouver (Pacific Time).
Which Canadian story are you most excited to follow as the Games progress?