Curling Takes Center Stage in Cortina at Winter Olympics 2026

The upcoming Winter Olympics in 2026 will see curling take a prominent position in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, a town steeped in sporting history. Home to Italy’s first curling gold medalist, Stefania Constantini, and led by a mayor with deep ties to the sport, Cortina is poised to deliver a memorable experience for athletes and spectators alike.

As the host city for the curling events, Cortina d’Ampezzo is uniquely connected to the sport. Mayor Gianluca Lorenzi is not only a former member of Italy’s national curling team but also the son of the sport’s founder in Italy. In a recent interview, Lorenzi expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m certainly going to have a reserved seat for every day of the competition,” indicating his preference for being at the curling venue over hosting dignitaries.

The curling events will take place at a historic wooden arena that previously hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1956 Winter Olympics. This venue has also featured in popular culture, appearing in the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only.” Constantini affirmed the local passion for the sport, noting, “In Cortina, everybody has tried curling at least once.”

Cortina’s connection to curling extends beyond its history. Constantini’s mother, Monica Dalus, serves on the city council, further intertwining family and sport. Despite her accomplishments, Constantini remains humble about her status as a potential flag bearer for the opening ceremony, where Italy will feature an unprecedented four flag bearers—two in Milan and two in Cortina. “Of course, it would be a huge honor,” she remarked, although she acknowledges the achievements of other athletes.

While the main opening ceremony will occur at San Siro Stadium in Milan on February 6, 2026, there will also be a smaller event in Cortina that evening. The town is set to host women’s Alpine skiing and sliding events, showcasing its versatility as a winter sports hub.

Constantini’s journey to Olympic glory is particularly compelling. Prior to her success in Beijing, where she won gold with her mixed doubles partner Amos Mosaner, she balanced her curling ambitions with a job as a saleswoman at The North Face store in downtown Cortina. “I had a double life back then,” she explained, highlighting her dedication to both her career and her sport.

Her victory in Beijing marked a significant milestone for Cortina, making her the town’s first Olympic champion since bobsledder Eugenio Monti triumphed at the 1968 Grenoble Games. Following her Olympic success, she and Mosaner solidified their status as the top mixed doubles team by winning the world championship against Scotland, the birthplace of curling. “Competing at home in Cortina will be the cherry on top of the cake,” Constantini said.

As the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina approach, the excitement surrounding curling continues to build, with local pride and athletic ambition intertwining in this picturesque Italian town. Cortina is not just a host city; it is a vibrant community ready to celebrate its athletes and the sport of curling on a global stage.