The Winter Olympics are one of the most highly anticipated events in the global sports calendar, and the 2026 edition, being held in Milan and Cortina, Italy, is no exception. As athletes from across the world prepare to compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals, tensions surrounding the political landscape have started to overshadow the sporting spectacle.

The opening ceremony, a grand occasion that traditionally symbolizes unity, global harmony, and peace, is expected to be met with a mixed reception. With the United States sending Vice President JD Vance as its representative, there are growing fears that the US team could be met with boos, protests, and jeers from the crowd in Milan due to the Trump administration’s policies.

The US has long been embroiled in controversial political issues, particularly concerning immigration, and the backlash against the participation of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in securing the Winter Olympics has already sparked protests in Italy. The US team’s arrival in Milan has been further complicated by these demonstrations, with more planned throughout the duration of the games.

The controversy over ICE agents being sent to assist with security at the Winter Olympics highlights a deeper divide between political ideologies and public perceptions. Critics of the US government’s policies in Italy see this move as a symbol of a long-standing immigration crackdown under former President Donald Trump’s administration, which many believe has contributed to a sense of alienation and division among marginalized groups, particularly immigrants.

But not all voices in the US Olympic delegation are backing the administration’s policies. Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, a prominent athlete at the Winter Olympics, has expressed her heartbreak over recent events, particularly in light of two US citizens being killed in an immigration crackdown in Minnesota last month. Vonn, who grew up in Minnesota, has been outspoken about her opposition to the harsh immigration policies of the Trump era.

“I’m heartbroken,” Vonn stated in a press conference. “And I think the best thing I can do is to stand tall, have hope, and show the world what America is. Who we are as people, because we are more than what’s happening right now.”

Vonn’s sentiments are reflective of the growing divide between athletes and political agendas, with many within the sports community speaking out against the political overtones that have come to define the games in recent years.

The US-Canada rivalry is always a big talking point at the Winter Olympics, with fierce competition between the two nations, particularly in ice hockey. However, the tension has reached new heights this year due to the ongoing political strife and the public pressure on athletes to represent their countries in an increasingly polarized world.

For Canadian ice hockey fans, the Winter Olympics hold even more significance this year, as Sarah and Andrew McGinness, along with their seven-month-old baby, Marjorie, have traveled all the way to Milan to support Canada’s bid for ice hockey gold. As they arrived in Milan, they expressed their excitement for the Olympics, not just as a competition but as an event that brings the world together, transcending political differences.

“I love the Olympics because it feels like the whole world gets to come together,” Sarah McGinness said, beaming with pride. “We all kind of come together and compete together. There’s gold, silver, and bronze, but at the end of the day, it’s the whole world that’s here, and that’s what we love.”

But for many in Milan, there’s more at stake than just the competition. The city and its surrounding areas are expected to see nearly 2 million visitors over the course of the games. This influx of spectators, however, is not without its challenges, as protests against US policies threaten to disrupt the otherwise jubilant atmosphere of the games.

The protests have been met with mixed reactions, with some showing strong opposition to the presence of ICE agents at the games, while others feel that the focus should be on the sporting event itself. Organizers have been under immense pressure to ensure that the Olympics remain focused on peace, unity, and athletic achievement rather than being overshadowed by political unrest.

“We are trying to make sure that the spotlight is on the athletes,” said a representative from the International Olympic Committee. “This is a celebration of sport and unity, and we hope that the politics do not overshadow that.”

But despite the best efforts of organizers to keep the event free from political interference, the presence of figures like Vice President JD Vance and the involvement of ICE agents have proven to be lightning rods for criticism. As the opening ceremony kicks off, the global audience will be watching closely to see if the games can live up to their promise of bringing the world together or if the political climate will continue to cause divisions within the Olympic community.

The presence of celebrities and high-profile figures in the stands also highlights the complex intersection between politics and entertainment. In an era where Hollywood has become increasingly vocal about social justice issues, the role of celebrities in promoting unity and peace has become just as important as the athletes themselves. For example, Anne Hathaway and Lily Reinhardt, two of Hollywood’s biggest stars, took to social media to express their support for Bad Bunny, who performed at the halftime show, and his message of unity.

“We’re all standing strong,” Hathaway tweeted, referencing the political messaging that Bad Bunny brought to the Super Bowl stage. “It’s so important right now, more than ever.”

This message of unity is exactly what the Winter Olympics aims to showcase, with athletes from around the world competing under the banner of peace and solidarity. However, as we’ve seen over the past few days, politics has a way of infiltrating even the most apolitical spaces, making it clear that the Olympics have become more than just a sporting event – they are now a platform for global conversations on identity, justice, and unity.

As the games continue and more protests unfold, it will be interesting to see how the US team handles the pressure and whether they can manage to separate the sporting event from the political baggage that has come with it. For now, it’s clear that the focus remains on the athletes, their performances, and the global audience watching their every move.

In the end, the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina will be remembered not just for the athletic feats, but for the tensions that ran high beneath the surface, reminding us all that sometimes even the most joyous occasions can be marred by political realities.

As for the athletes, the best they can do is perform, compete, and hope that their actions will speak louder than the noise surrounding them. With a little bit of luck, perhaps the true spirit of the games – unity, peace, and athleticism – will shine through despite the chaos.