Compagnoni burst onto the skiing scene at a young age, participating in her first World Cup races before she even turned 18. Her early promise was quickly overshadowed by a significant injury in 1988,

The ceremony’s organisers have said they sought to represent the city-mountain dichotomy of the particularly unusual setup for these Olympics while also trying to appeal to a sense of unity at a time of global tensions.

While the 2026 Winter Olympics started Wednesday, the Opening Ceremony took place Friday in Italy. The U.S. flag bearers were speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca. Jackson, 33, is a three-time Olympian and the reigning Olympic gold medalist in the 500 meters.

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opened with a historic first as Olympic cauldrons were lit in both Milan and Cortina. See the moment the cauldron in Milan was lit

Deborah Compagnoni, the legendary alpine skier, is stepping into a new chapter of her life: the kitchen. With a rich history of Olympic success, Compagnoni's transition from sports to culinary arts is both inspiring and intriguing.