“Cortina Is Special”: USA’s Iconic Skier Lindsey Vonn Reveals Love for Italian City as Winter Olympics 2026 Looms

As the stage for the 2026 Winter Olympics gets set in Cortina, the world is now exposed to this beautiful venue. Along with the fandom, skiing legend Lindsey Vonn is also girded up to witness the iconic games taking place at the ecstatic Italian destination. Interestingly, Vonn shared her relationship with the place and how Cortina has a special place in her heart.

Recalling her memories from her legendary career, she talked about why this place is so special to her. The Winter Olympics are a distant goal for the athletes at the moment. But the venue has been decided. The creative journey of Milano-Cortina has begun. At the 141st IOC Session, President Giovanni Malagò said in his speech that Milano Cortina represents an extraordinary opportunity for the Olympics, for Italy and the world.

Cortina is special to Lindsey Vonn

Cortina holds a special place in Vonn’s heart. Talking to Olympics.com in an exclusive interview she shared her memories of Cortina and the place being her first podium ever makes it even more special. She has achieved an unprecedented 12 victories on the Olympia delle Tofane track and this is an achievement that hasn’t been matched yet. Olympia delle Tofane is one of the most iconic and famous slopes of Cortina.

While talking to the Olympics.com she talked about how important Cortina is for the growth of the winter sports in Italy. She said, “I mean, it was my first podium and, you know, so many great memories. It’s just such a beautiful place to have the Olympics. And obviously they had the Olympics many years ago. But I think for the growth of sport in Italy, it’s an amazing opportunity.” 

Expressing her elation, Vonn further added, “Cortina is special, so special to me specifically.” Cortina had their last Olympics in 1956, it has taken a long time for the Winter Olympics to come back to Cortina and now a century later with increased potential, the Winter Olympics are back in Cortina.

The historic Olympics of 1956

The Olympics are coming back to Cortina after 70 years. 821 Athletes from around 32 teams took part in 24 events in the seventh edition of the Winter Olympics. This Olympics was the golden debut for the USSR team. The newcomers came and conquered. The USSR had more medals than any other team, and their speed skaters won three of the four events. Team USSR also ended the domination of Canada in Ice Hockey.

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New feats were being achieved in the seventh edition of the Winter Olympics as the historic oath was sworn by a female athlete for the first time. Italian Alpine skier Giuliana Chenal-Minuzzo was given the honor of being the first. USSR’s Pavel Kolchin became the first non-Scandinavian to earn a medal in cross country skiing.

There are still more than 800 days for the Winter Olympics to start. With 70 years of difference, the scale of the Olympics has changed and has become bigger and better. Cortina is looking forward to becoming a historic Olympic event.

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