Mariah Carey and more curling – Friday's Winter Olympics guide

Mariah Carey and more curling – Friday's Winter Olympics guide

## Milan-Cortina 2026: A Glimpse into the Early Olympic Action and Notable Events

**Milan-Cortina, Italy – February 6, 2026** – As the world gears up for the 25th Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, the anticipation is palpable. With nearly 3,000 athletes representing 90 nations vying for 116 medals, the Games promise a spectacular display of athletic prowess. The United Kingdom, in particular, has dispatched a strong contingent of 53 athletes, many of whom are considered serious medal contenders across various disciplines. While the official Opening Ceremony is scheduled for February 8th, the competitive spirit will ignite the Olympic venues two days prior, commencing the thrilling schedule of events.

This guide offers a preliminary look at the key competitions and notable storylines to follow on the opening day of competition, Friday, February 6th, with all times listed in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

### Figure Skating Team Event Takes Center Stage

The day’s headline event is the figure skating team competition, commencing at 08:55 GMT and concluding at 13:55 GMT. While often overshadowed by the individual disciplines, the team event has proven to be a significant source of drama and discussion in past Games. The previous Winter Olympics saw the team competition become a focal point following a doping controversy involving a Russian athlete, which ultimately led to a reallocation of medals. This year’s iteration is expected to draw considerable attention as nations showcase their synchronized talent and strategic team selections. The dynamic nature of the team event, where points are accumulated across different disciplines, often leads to unexpected outcomes and intense rivalries.

### A Deeper Dive into Curling’s Strategic Appeal

Beyond the ice of figure skating, the intricate and often underestimated sport of curling will also be in action. While specific timings for curling events on Day 0 are yet to be fully detailed, its inclusion signifies the diverse range of disciplines that define the Winter Olympics. Curling, often described as “chess on ice,” demands a unique blend of precision, strategy, and teamwork. Athletes must master the art of delivering stones with the correct weight and line, while their teammates employ sweeping techniques to influence the stone’s trajectory. The strategic nuances of shot-calling and the psychological battle between opposing teams make curling a compelling spectacle for those who appreciate its tactical depth. Understanding the fundamental rules of curling – the objective of scoring points by having your stones closer to the center of the house than your opponent’s, and the scoring system based on the number of stones closer to the button – will enhance the viewing experience for newcomers to the sport.

### Looking Ahead: A Tournament of Unfolding Narratives

As the Milan-Cortina Games commence, the early events will set the tone for the weeks to come. The figure skating team event, with its inherent potential for both triumph and controversy, is poised to capture global attention. Simultaneously, the strategic battles unfolding on the curling sheets will offer a different, yet equally captivating, dimension to the Olympic experience. With Team GB aiming to make a significant mark, the performances of their athletes in these initial competitions will be closely scrutinized. The next few days promise a captivating start to what is anticipated to be an unforgettable Winter Olympic spectacle.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.