Why Milan’s Winter Olympic sliding events could be held 4,000 miles away

With the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics just a year away, a rather surprising question is hanging in the air: could some of the sliding events – bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton – actually end up taking place thousands of miles away in the United States? It sounds crazy, right? But hear me out.

The core issue boils down to the aging infrastructure at the existing Italian venues. The track in Cesana Pariol, used for the 2006 Turin Olympics, is showing its age. Upgrades and renovations are needed, and frankly, it’s a costly and complex undertaking, one that’s facing significant delays. Time, as they say, is of the essence, and with the Olympics looming, the clock is ticking.

So, what’s the alternative? Enter the possibility of staging the sliding events at a different, already established, and ready-to-go track in the US. A move like this would avoid the potential logistical nightmares of rushed renovations in Italy. It wouldn’t be unheard of either; Olympic events have been moved before for various reasons. This isn’t about replacing the entire games, but about finding a workable solution to a very specific, time-sensitive problem.

Of course, shifting the events across the Atlantic is a huge undertaking. Think about the travel costs, the disruption to athletes’ training schedules, the potential impact on sponsorship deals, and the sheer logistics of moving all the necessary equipment. It’s a massive headache, one that organizers are undoubtedly trying to avoid, but if the Italian venue issues can’t be resolved, it might become the only viable option.

Now, let’s switch gears a bit and talk about skimo. You might be scratching your heads, wondering “what on earth is skimo?” Simply put, skimo, short for ski mountaineering, is a rapidly growing sport that combines cross-country skiing with uphill climbing. Think of it as a thrilling blend of endurance, technique, and mountain adventure. It’s made its way onto the Olympic radar and will be making its debut in Milan 2026, adding a dynamic new dimension to the winter games.

Skimo’s inclusion is exciting because it showcases the evolution of winter sports, and it offers a great opportunity for athletes who are not only incredibly fit but also skillful climbers and skiers. It might even provide a slightly less predictable medal race than some traditional events.

Finally, let’s address the burning question for many British sports fans: what are Team GB’s medal chances in Milan 2026? It’s difficult to say for certain, of course, a year out. Performance depends on countless factors, including training, health, and of course, a bit of luck. However, we can look to previous performances and current form to get a rough idea.

Team GB has historically shown strength in certain sliding events, and with dedicated athletes preparing and training hard, the hope is for podium finishes in bobsleigh and skeleton. Success in skimo is harder to predict, but with the sport’s increasing popularity and Britain’s burgeoning mountaineering scene, there is certainly potential there. Ultimately, the medal count will hinge on factors that are impossible to predict now.

To summarize, the upcoming Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are full of uncertainty, especially surrounding the sliding events’ location and the potential for relocation to the US. It’s a situation that requires careful consideration and swift action to ensure the games run smoothly. Meanwhile, the addition of skimo adds a layer of excitement and opens up opportunities for new heroes to emerge on the winter sports stage. And for Team GB? Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a successful showing!

The situation is constantly evolving, so keep your eyes peeled for further updates as the games draw closer!