Milena Cortina’s $23 million makeover might help Mikaela Shiffrin and her teammates make history at the Winter Olympics

As winter approaches, Italy prepares to host the globe in the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. The countdown has officially begun, and efforts are underway to make this edition really unique. What makes it special? Female athletes will make up a record 47% of participants, making the Winter Games the most gender-balanced in history. But that’s not all; the spotlight will also focus on the freshly rebuilt Verona Arena, which will combine old grandeur with modern magnificence.

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Milan Cortina 2026 is expected to be the largest broad Winter Olympics and Paralympics ever, encompassing over 22,000 square kilometers in northern Italy. The grand finale promises to be nothing short of spectacular, with the closing ceremony set for February 22 at Verona Arena, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site. A major $23 million renovation effort has renovated the historic venue specifically for the Games, ensuring a spectacular finish to Italy’s winter show.

According to Giovanni Malagò, head of the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee, the Olympic ceremony will take place at the historic Arena di Verona, a World Heritage Site. The event would combine sport, art, and culture to celebrate Italian beauty. The repair, headed by Società Infrastrutture Milano Cortina 2026 SpA, intends to improve the experience not just for Olympic viewers, but also for the thousands of visitors who attend the amphitheatre’s dynamic cultural events each year.

“These improvements will ensure universal accessibility from the next season,” remarked Government Commissioner Fabio Massimo Saldini, who oversees the works. “We are working tirelessly to meet the objectives set for the Games,” said the politician. Roberto Bolle, a prominent Italian dancer, will perform in the closing ceremony.

Mikaela Shiffrin, Chloe Kim, Jaelin Kauf, Alex Hall, Alex Ferreira, and many other athletes will compete at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. Fans will have their own set of worries and rewards, as will athletes, primarily through monetary compensation.

The Winter Olympics will include a bonus bonanza for competitors.

One of the most significant issues that athletes confront is a lack of appropriate reward for their tireless effort and dedication. But this time, things are different. For U.S. skiers, skaters, snowboarders, and sliders, the next 100 days might determine everything: a shot at Olympic glory, a chance to take gold, and a life-changing $100,000 prize.

Thanks to a record $100 million commitment to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Foundation, every Olympian beginning with next year’s Winter Games will be eligible for a $100,000 award upon retirement. Given that nearly 57% of American athletes earn $50,000 or less, this is more than simply a wage raise; it’s a much-needed safety net in a country that does not subsidize its Olympic or Paralympic athletes.

Ross Stevens, founder and CEO of Stone Ridge Holdings Group, who made the extraordinary donation, stated that financial insecurity should not prevent great athletes from reaching new heights. Now the only issue is how many medals will American competitors earn at the Winter Olympics.

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Suryakant Das 3,315 articles.

Suryakant Das is a senior writer at EssentiallySports who oversees UFC live coverage. He is noted for his extensive knowledge and exceptional professionalism in MMA journalism. Over the course of two years in the industry, he has established himself as a crucial voice for real-time event updates, pre- and post-fight interviews, and analysis of viral Joe Rogan Experience moments. His dynamic reporting is supported by his selection to the Journalistic Excellence Program, which develops advanced editorial skills and strategic coverage techniques for top talent. Suryakant’s career is distinguished by his ability to provide both pace and depth. His diverse expertise includes sports journalism, content writing, and editorial duties, allowing him to handle fast-paced live coverage while delivering significant stories with clarity and precision. Recognition from reputable MMA individuals such as Nina-Marie Daniele and Hall of Famer Michael Bisping solidifies his status as a trusted expert in the UFC community.