American superstar Mariah Carey delivered a stunning performance at the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, but the celebratory atmosphere was disrupted by a chorus of boos directed at US Vice President JD Vance. In an unprecedented move for the Olympics, the main ceremony took place at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan, while athletes participated in marches across various clusters throughout Italy.
Australian Team Makes Spirited Entrance
Australian flag bearers Jakara Anthony and Matt Graham proudly led a compact but enthusiastic team during the proceedings. The duo, both Olympic moguls medallists, rallied their 23-strong contingent with a traditional "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oi oi oi" chant before setting off. Wearing distinctive green and gold beanies, the team represented a mix of freestyle skiers and snowboarders based in Livigno, approximately 250 kilometres from Milan in the Italian Alps.
Controversy Overshadows US Delegation
While American athletes, led by flag bearer Erin Jackson, received largely positive cheers from the crowd, the mood shifted dramatically when US Vice President JD Vance appeared on the stadium's big screen. Despite prior instructions from Olympic officials urging fans not to boo the US delegation, loud jeers echoed through the venue. This reaction followed earlier protests in Milan against the presence of ICE agents at the Games, with attendees using the moment to voice their frustrations.
Observers noted that Vance appeared unmoved by the hostile reception, and American athletes maintained high spirits despite the controversy. The incident highlighted the complex political undercurrents at this global sporting event.
Most Spread-Out Winter Games in History
The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics is set to be the most geographically dispersed Games in Winter Olympics history, with competition venues scattered across an area of about 22,000 square kilometres. This unique format saw Australian athletes participating in multiple locations: five ice skaters marched in Milan, ten sliders and alpine skiers were in Cortina, and only two were present in Predazzo. Notably, Australia's female cross-country quartet skipped the ceremony to focus on preparations for the upcoming skiathlon event.
Cultural Celebration and Olympic Traditions
The main ceremony in Milan served as a stylish tribute to Italian culture, honouring legendary figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Dante Alighieri, Giacomo Puccini, and Federico Fellini, alongside contemporary icons like Laura Pausini and Giorgio Armani. The production also celebrated iconic Italian culinary traditions, including pasta and wine.
Mariah Carey's performance of "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu," better known as "Volare," hit all the high notes and helped officially launch the 25th Winter Olympics. In another departure from tradition, the Olympic flame was lit in two cauldrons instead of one, with locations in both Milan and Cortina, separated by 400 kilometres.
As the Games progress, all eyes will be on whether the sporting competition can rise above the political tensions that marked its spectacular opening.
