Athletes Parade at 4 Sites in Italy to Kick Off Winter Olympics

The Winter Games of Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo formally kicked off with opening ceremonies staged in Milan and at three Alpine sites: Cortina, Predazzo and Livigno. At the ceremonies’ climax, Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni lit the cauldron in Milan, while Sofia Goggia lit the cauldron in Cortina.

A lengthy Parade of Nations saw athletes enter behind their flags; Greece led and Italy closed the procession, with each name-card carrier wearing an expansive silver puffer coat and dark glasses. The hosts entered just before Italy, which placed the large American team immediately after Venezuela, the country whose leader the Trump administration seized in a recent military operation.

The U.S. delegation drew a mixed reception, and some boos were audible when Vice President JD Vance appeared on the stadium screens. The program mixed pop and classical music.

Italy, Milan; Cortina; Predazzo; Livigno