Unlike in the Summer Olympics where Americans often dominate the podium, Team USA has lagged behind a bit in recent Winter Games. In 2022, Team USA finished fifth in the medal count with 25 total medals -- although their nine gold medals was good for third.

With the 2026 Winter Olympics almost underway, here’s exactly where the Games are being held and why they’re spread across numerous cities in Italy.

On her 35th birthday, Lollobrigida set an Olympic record to win gold, setting off a raucous celebration with her team and son, Tommaso.

Luciano Pavarotti, the Italian opera singer, previously sang the song during his final public performance at the 2006 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Turin. Because of his health issues, the song was pre-recorded and lip-synced.

Back at the 2022 Winter Olympics in China, Hall didn’t just show up — he showed out, snagging Olympic gold for Team USA in freestyle skiing and cementing himself as one of the sport’s biggest stars. As one admirer recently put it: “got lost in his eyes.” Another watching him on the slopes wrote, “Omg he’s a god.”

A pair of stoats named Tina and Milo are the mascots for the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.