Milan 2026: Why Winter Olympics sliding events could be held in United States
Over the course of a year, Italy will welcome the world to the Winter Olympics, but in the United States, a large number of athletes may compete for more than 4,000 miles of medals.
Cortina’s Sliding Center – will stage, skeleton and Luge, facing a match with time ready.
Approved by the Italian government, the site is being completely rebuilt on a century-old track at a cost of more than £72 million.
The official deadline is March, when new tracks must be iced, tested and certified. Although world-class tracks include IGL in Austria and St. Moritz in Switzerland, Lake Placid, New York is a confirmed choice.
Milan-Cortina CEO Andrea Varnier told BBC Sport: “We checked all available venues and were the only ones ready without investing and able to do so in Last minute reception venue.
“That’s why it’s Plan B, but we do plan to stay in Cortina as much as possible.”
Varnier admits that it would be a “messy game” if the sliding event cannot be held in Italy.
“That’s how we feel,” he said. “It’s good for athletes and for the audience, having the atmosphere in Cortina.”
But he remains hopeful, adding: “We are improving and we are monitoring with the International Olympic Committee.”
