The opening of the XXV Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina marked a turning point in how winter sports are perceived in Spain. For the first time, the national team entered the arena with twenty athletes—an absolute record for the country. This move highlighted not only the growing interest in winter sports, but also demonstrated that Spain is ready to compete for medals alongside the leading nations.
Special attention was drawn to the flagbearers—figure skater Olivia Smart and alpine skier Kim Salarich. Their appearance at the ceremony became a symbol of a new generation of Spanish athletes who are unafraid to take to the world stage on ice and snow. That evening, they were supported not only by fans, but by the entire country, watching the broadcast with bated breath.
A double ceremony
Olympic organizers surprised everyone: for the first time in history, the opening took place simultaneously in four cities, and the Olympic flame was lit in two locations—at the Arch of Peace in Milan and on Piazza Dibona in Cortina. This format sparked a wave of emotions and became a major topic of discussion in sports circles. Thousands of spectators gathered on the streets, braving the cold to be part of this historic moment.
San Siro Stadium in Milan turned into a focal point, where a light show and performances by artists created a truly festive atmosphere. Italian culture was present in every part of the ceremony—from the costumes to the musical numbers. The appearance of international stars delighted the audience: Mariah Carey and Laura Pausini joined their voices, uniting the crowd in a single moment.
The Spanish angle
Spain appeared 77th in the Parade of Nations, but its delegation was among the most prominent. Olivia Smart and Kim Salarich not only carried the flag, but also set the tone for the entire team. In Bormio and Predazzo, Spanish athletes also made their presence felt, much to the surprise of many experts.
That evening, the Spanish team looked especially united. The athletes supported each other, and the fans couldn’t hide their emotions. For many young athletes, taking part in such a major event was a dream come true, and for the country, a source of pride and renewed hope.
Climax of the evening
The highlight of the ceremony was the lighting of the Olympic flame. Sports legends Alberto Tomba, Deborah Compagnoni, and Sofia Goggia lit the cauldrons in Milan and Cortina, while the renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli performed a moving composition that became these Games’ musical symbol. In that moment, thousands of eyes were glued to the screen, and the atmosphere in the stadium reached its peak.
After the official speeches and athletes’ oath, it became clear: the 2026 Olympics promise to be the brightest and most unpredictable in recent decades. The Spanish team is more prepared than ever and has already announced itself as a serious contender.
A look into the future
The Olympic flame will burn until February 22, when the closing ceremony takes place in Verona. Already, there is talk about which Spanish athletes can surprise the world and bring home long-awaited medals. Ahead lie intense days filled with competition, emotion, and unexpected twists.
For Spain, these Games are more than just a sporting event—they are a true challenge and a chance to assert itself on the world stage. For the first time in many years, the country feels part of the great Olympic movement, where every athlete is a story and every victory a step towards new heights.
Olivia Smart, one of the main figures of the ceremony, was born in the United Kingdom but has represented Spain in international figure skating competitions for many years. Her path to success was far from easy: relocation, changing citizenship, constant training, and fighting for a spot on the team. In recent years, she has become a symbol of perseverance and inspiration for young athletes, and her performances consistently garner admiration from audiences. In Milan, Olivia not only carried the flag but also embodied the new era of Spanish winter sports, paving the way for future generations.
