Airbnb Athlete Experiences 2026

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to train like an Olympian, laugh with a world champion over coffee, or hear behind-the-scenes stories of triumph and heartbreak straight from the athlete’s mouthwell, your backstage Olympic pass just arrived. And it comes courtesy of your future Airbnb booking.

Where Home Sharing Meets Olympic Storytelling

In a move that brilliantly blends hospitality with heroism, Airbnb and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are reuniting for another victory lap ahead of Milano Cortina 2026. Their collaboration takes athlete storytelling to new heightsliterally scrolling straight into your Airbnb search bar.

Building on the buzz of the Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 initiatives, Airbnb is once again offering athletes a global stageexcept this one comes with cozy throws, inspirational conversation, and maybe even a shared pasta recipe. The latest phase of Airbnb’s ongoing partnership with the IOC sees the launch of new athlete-hosted experiences, offering guests a rare chance to connect with sporting legends in a truly personal setting.

Train, Share, Inspire: All From the Comfort of a Chalet (or Zoom Call)

Whether you’re after a virtual sit-down with a seasoned Olympian or an in-person crash course in curling taught by someone who’s swept the ice at the games, this initiative serves something for every type of sports fanatic. You don’t have to scale Mount Etna to hear stories of athletic grityou might just need a Wi-Fi connection and a curiosity switch flipped to “on.”

There’s something utterly magical about hearing an athlete recount their 5 a.m. wake-ups, injuries, doubts, and victoriesall from the living room couch. As a sports journalist, I’ve heard thousands of stories over the years, but nothing compares to the unpolished anecdotes athletes offer when the spotlight dims and the sneakers are unlaced.

Star Power Meets Startup Spirit

Let’s face it: Airbnb may have started as a scrappy Silicon Valley idea involving air mattresses in a San Francisco loft, but it’s grown into a cultural forcejoining hands (quite literally) with Olympians to democratize access to elite stories and experiences. And it’s not just about fun and fandom. It’s about giving athletesmany of whom face expensive training costs and fleeting career windowsa new revenue stream built around their passion and persona.

IOC President Thomas Bach puts it best: “These experiences are a fantastic opportunity to connect with Olympians and Paralympians who embody the Olympic values every day.” In other words, it’s more than just clicking “book now”you’re signing up for inspiration at its source.

From Snowy Slopes to Digital Screens

The spotlight for Milano Cortina 2026 isn’t just on the slopes or skating rinksit’s now flickering on laptops worldwide. Athletes from winter and summer sports can host their own experiences globally, bringing everything from fitness sessions and motivational talks to cultural deep-dives and personal Q&As. Think ski champions deconstructing mental toughness, or Paralympians sharing resilience strategiespriceless insights you won’t find in any training manual.

Already, over 40 athletes have signed on, including big-name medal winners and rising stars from around the world. Airbnb guests can expect a varied menu that could include everything from interactive workouts to cooking lessons with a cultural twist and even game watch parties where you break down a match with your favorite pro.

Booking a Bedroom, Gaining a Mentor

Here’s what makes it special: these aren’t autographs on paper or selfies at press eventsthese are immersive, personalized experiences. Imagine doing yoga led by an Olympic gymnast who once flipped their way to gold, or sipping espresso with an Italian biathlete as they tell you about life in the Olympic Village. Suddenly, your vacation story’s got a plot twist worthy of a Netflix docuseries.

And it’s not just for super fans. Families, educators, aspiring athletes, and yes, journalists too, can now connect with the heartbeat of international sport in ways never before possible.

Milano Cortina 2026: The Human Side of the Games

This initiative reinforces the IOC’s long-standing goal of bringing the Olympic Movement closer to people. It’s not all about medals and records; it’s about the journeys that lead therethe setbacks, the silence after defeat, the surge after a personal best. Airbnb Experiences lets guests touch that reality.

As we look toward Milano Cortina 2026, the Games are shaping up to be more inclusive, more interactive, and more intimatewithout taking away the magic of sport’s grandeur. And while fans will surely flock to the northern Italian peaks in person, many more will now have a unique way to connect with athletes on their own terms, from anywhere on Earth.

The Victory Lap Starts at Home

Airbnb has done something remarkable: it didn’t just bring athletes into your living roomit made sure they had a comfy seat, a story to tell, and maybe even an espresso to offer. As Milano Cortina 2026 draws closer, these athlete-hosted experiences provide a golden opportunity to connect with the soul of the Games. After all, sporting glory may end in a podium, but it always begins with a story worth telling.

So, go aheadbook that Zoom call with a Nordic skier or share a gelato with a world champion in Milan. The gold medal moment might just be the conversation.

France Replaces Russia 2026

In a development as intriguing as a shootout in sudden death, France is set to replace Russia in the 2026 Winter Olympic men’s ice hockey tournament in Milan-Cortina. With Russia’s ban due to the ongoing fallout from the invasion of Ukraine, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has turned to Les Bleus to fill the vacant spot. And just like that, France has the golden ticket to a tournament anticipated to boast the return of NHL players for the first time since 2014.

Russia Out, France In: A Glacial Shift

The IIHF officially confirmed on Monday what many insiders had predicted for months: France will assume Russia’s position in the 12-team tournament. The decision is more than just a reshuffling of rankingsit represents a broader geopolitical statement by global sport’s governing bodies and underscores the IIHF’s continued sanctioning policies against Russia for its military actions.

While Russia’s powerhouse squad will be on the sidelines, one of the most beautiful countries in Europe will step onto hockey’s biggest winter stage. France, which currently sits 13th in the IIHF Men’s World Ranking, was next in line after Slovakia, Latvia, and Germany had already secured their Olympic tickets. Though not traditionally considered an ice hockey juggernaut, France brings a mix of flair, grit, and underdog determination that could stir the alpine air in Italy come 2026.

Olympic Hockey’s NHL Renaissance

Perhaps the most exciting announcement for hockey fans worldwide is that NHL players are expected to participate in the Olympics for the first time since Sochi 2014. After two missed editionsPyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022due to disputes between the NHL and the International Olympic Committee, and then pandemic concerns, hockey fans have longed for a return to true best-on-best competition.

If the NHL agreement holds firm, fans can look forward to seeing the likes of Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, Auston Matthews, David Pastr?ák and the game’s other headliners light up the Olympic stage once more. For France, this means their squad will skate into battle not just with pridebut against the very best the hockey world has to offer.

A French Opportunity on Global Ice

This Olympic berth couldn’t have come at a better time for French hockey. With an eye on expanding its player development and making France a more credible contender in the years to come, Milan 2026 presents an unparalleled chance to galvanize its program on the world stage.

“The opportunity to compete at the Olympics is a milestone for our national team and a proud moment for our federation,” said Pierre-Yves Gerbeau, head of the French Ice Hockey Federation. “We are ready to represent France with honor and passion.”

Sure, France may not be a medal favorite, but remember when everyone wrote off Latvia? Or Slovakia? The unofficial motto of international tournaments often reads: expect the unexpected. Olympic magic rarely dances to the rhythm of the rankings.

The Road to Milan: Who’s In, Who’s Out

The 12-team field continues to take shape, and here’s how the rosters look so far:

• Automatic Qualifiers (World Ranking Top 8 after 2023 Worlds): Canada, Finland, USA, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Czechia, and Slovakia.
• Host Nation: Italy
• Next in Line (Replacement for Russia): France
• Remaining Three Spots: To be determined via final qualification tournaments in August 2024

With teams like Latvia, Norway, and Denmark all expected to battle it out for those final three places, the Olympic stage is shaping up to be as dramatic as ever.

Russia’s Absence Still Echoes

Russia’s exclusion undoubtedly leaves a gap in the tournament. The former international force routinely medaled on Olympic ice and maintained a cachet few teams could rival. Yet, due to the IIHF’s 2022 decision to ban Russian and Belarusian involvements in IIHF events, largely in solidarity with Ukraine, there’s no indication that stance will shift anytime soon.

For the hockey purist, the tournament loses a touch of its nostalgia. But for the sport’s long-term integrity and unity, many would argue it’s the right call. And for France, it’s the opportunity of a lifetimeborn not from controversy, but from readiness.

Looking Ahead: Vive Le Hockey

As the lights begin to flicker on the 2026 Olympic stage, France’s inclusion adds a splash of esprit to the rink. With a young core, a passionate fan base, and a once-in-a-generation chance to mingle among the game’s elite, French hockey has two years to ready itself for its Olympic return.

Will we see Les Bleus shaking up the group stage? Can a Cinderella story emerge from the French Alps to seize the hockey world by surprise? Only timeand maybe a few overtime thrillerswill tell. But for now, France is in. Russia is out. And Olympic hockey just got a little more unpredictable.

For more Olympic hockey updates, stay locked to your favorite insider rinkside reports. Vive le hockey!

Johaug Eyes 2026 Olympics

She’s backbronzed, blistering, and as bold as ever.

Three-time Olympic champion Therese Johaug is skiing her way into the headlines once again. After stepping away from competitive cross-country skiing following the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the Norwegian dynamo recently teased a potential comeback for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. And let’s be honestwho wouldn’t want to see the queen of the tracks lace up her skis one more time for a final frosty curtain call?

A Comeback as Icy as It Is Fiery

This week, speaking at a promotional event, Johaug dropped what can only be described as a blizzard-level bombshell: she’s considering racing for gold in 2026. That’s rightthe woman who once left her competitors gasping like they were skiing with sandbags might once again return to the Olympic arena.

“I really miss the excitement around competitions,” Johaug said with her characteristic sparkle. “I won’t make any promises now, but it’s definitely something I think about.”

The 35-year-old Norwegian remains one of the sport’s most decorated and respected athletes. Her retirement surprised many after a powerhouse performance in Beijing where she nabbed three gold medalsa graceful exit that felt more like a mic drop than a farewell.

From Motherhood to Medal Dreams

Since her last Olympic appearance, Johaug embraced a new chapter in life: motherhood. She gave birth to her first child in 2023. But as other elite athletes have recently provenfrom Allyson Felix to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Prycemotherhood and podiums are no longer mutually exclusive.

“Becoming a mom gave me perspective,” Johaug mentioned. “But it also reignited my passion for the sport. I want to show my daughter what it means to chase your dreams.”

Let’s be clear: Johaug’s version of “chasing dreams” usually involves shattering ski poles, melting snow under her speed, and redefining endurance. In other words, if she’s thinking about Milan-Cortina, her competitors had better start training yesterday.

Competition: Younger, Faster, Hungrier?

If she does return, Johaug won’t find the trail empty. The field is teeming with fierce young talents eager to carve their names into Olympic history. Norway alone has a new generation of rising stars in the women’s distance events, each hungry for international glory.

But Johaug brings with her an unmatched blend of experience, mental toughness, and a fitness freak level of motivation. In 2017, she served an 18-month suspension and returned stronger than evera testament to her resilience and iron will.

“I know what it takes,” she said with a knowing smile. “It’s not easy. But if I decide to go for it, I’ll go all in.”

The Sport Needs HerAnd She Might Need It Too

Make no mistake: Johaug is more than a skier. She’s a media magnet, a role model, and a living symbol of Scandinavian sports culture. A return to the Olympic stage would not only draw massive viewer interest but could also elevate the sport’s profile globally.

And for Johaug, the finish line on Olympic competition may feel incomplete without an epic farewell. After all, what better sendoff than grinding through the snow-draped Dolomites with the world watching?

The Final Stretch

Though she hasn’t confirmed anything yet, the fact that she’s even entertaining a comeback has stirred excitement in the cross-country community. With the 2026 Games still two seasons away, she has time to preparenot that she’s probably let herself get too out of shape to begin with.

“If I return, it’s because I know I can compete at the highest level again,” she said. “I don’t do things halfway.”

One More Lap for the Legend?

Whether it’s a calculated tease or the start of another golden chapter, the possibility of Therese Johaug showing up in Milan-Cortina wearing the Norwegian red-and-blue uniform again is enough to send shiversnot just from the cold, but from sheer anticipation.

The ski world just might get another look at its reigning monarch charging through the snow like only she can.

Photo courtesy of Idaho State Journal / AP

Russia Banned 2026 Olympics

In what some are calling the final chapter of Russia’s Olympic hockey saga, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has reportedly extended its sanctions against Russian and Belarusian teams through the 2025–26 seasoneffectively barring both from competing in the men’s and women’s hockey tournaments at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

While political tensions and international outrage over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continue to reverberate, it’s hockey fansalongside the players themselvesfeeling the chill of this enduring diplomatic freeze. No Ovechkin. No Russia. No Red Machine. Bienvenuto a Milano, just not for everybody.

Two More Years of the Cold Shoulder

On Friday, the IIHF’s Council reportedly voted to maintain its ban on both Russian and Belarusian national teams at all IIHF competitions, citing “safety and security concerns.” This marks the third consecutive season the governing body has chosen to sideline two of the sport’s powerhouses, and it brings significant ramificationsnone bigger than exclusion from the Olympics.

“The current geopolitical landscape makes it unsafe to reintroduce Russian and Belarusian teams at international tournaments,” a source close to the decision said. “It’s not just political posturingit’s about keeping players, fans, and staff safe around the world.”

The decision affects all competition levels, including the IIHF World Championships and youth tournaments. But naturally, the most spotlighted absence will be in Milan–Cortina 2026where men’s Olympic hockey remains a crown jewel of the Games.

Ovi’s Final Olympic Flame Snuffed Out

For long-time Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, the reported ban signals an unceremonious end to a would-be Olympic farewell. At 40, many expected the 2026 Games to be his last hurrah on the international stagea final dance in a storied legacy that includes a Stanley Cup, over 800 NHL goals, and status as one of hockey’s most iconic figures.

Now, it seems Ovechkin will end his playing career having never suited up for Russia in an Olympics since the NHL allowed players back into the Games. The last time he represented his homeland at the Winter Olympics was in Sochi 2014a tournament that ended prematurely for the host nation amid crushing expectations.

“Not being able to represent your country is heartbreaking,” a former Olympic player said under anonymity. “Especially when you’ve known your entire career was building to one last shot at the gold.”

Despite Ovechkin’s decades of loyalty to team Russiaoften wearing the national crest with the same pride as his Capitals “C”the door may now be permanently shut on that part of his resume.

The Olympics Without a Rival

In a sport that thrives on rivalries, the absence of a Russian squad raises real questions about the competitive firepower in Milan. Games between Russia and Canada or USA and Russia have delivered some of the most theatrical and historic moments in Olympic history. The ‘Miracle on Ice’, the 2010 Vancouver shootout, the near-diplomatic incidents of Salt Lake 2002it’s not quite the same tournament without a heavyweight wearing red.

This isn’t Russia’s first Olympic ban, of course. The country was forced to compete under the veil of the “Russian Olympic Committee” (ROC) in previous Games, in light of doping infractions. But this time, it’s a complete shutout. No red, no white, no bluenot even with an asterisk attached.

World Hockey Without the World

In the eyes of many, this continued exclusion has already altered competitive balance across the tournament landscape. Russia has been a perennial top-four finisher in nearly every event it’s entered for decades. Its absence has opened lanes for other nationsthink Czechia, Finland, and possibly even upstart Germanyto carve deeper paths through the medal rounds.

But it also feels a bit hollow. Olympic gold should require beating the best. Without Russia, is the bracket truly complete? Or is some shine inevitably lost?

What It Means for the NHL and the Game Globally

This ban also reverberates inside NHL locker rooms, particularly if the league officially confirms participation in Milan 2026. For players like Kirill Kaprizov, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Artemi Panarinall likely star players in their primeit’s less a ban, more a blackout. Barring a miracle, their Olympic dreams are on indefinite hold.

Meanwhile, in Russia, domestic leagues like the KHL are left even further isolated on a lonesome international island, unable to showcase their talent on the game’s biggest stage. Youth development, recruitment, even sponsorship and morale are taking collateral damage while politics and sports continue their frosty tango.

The Road Ahead: Closed, but Not Paved in Ice

The IIHF is leaving the door “technically” open for review each year, but insiders suggest the likelihood of Russia returning before at least 2027 is about as slim as a Zdeno Chara slapshot going under 90 mph.

So what’s next? Perhaps diplomacy finds footing. Perhaps the red machine hums again someday when medals are on the line. But for now, fans will have to imagine what 2026 could’ve looked like: Ovechkin winding up on the half-wall, the Russian anthem echoing through the arena, the rivalries reborn. Instead, it’s a tournament missing a titanic piece of its identity.

No Russia. No Ovi. No What Could’ve Been.

Note: This article is based on reports from RussianMachineNeverBreaks.com and internal IIHF discussions. Official Olympic rosters and IIHF participation lists will be confirmed by the respective organizations.

2026 Olympics Hockey Odds

The buzz is building, and the ice is starting to shimmer with Olympic anticipation. With elite NHL stars expected to return to the Olympic stage for the first time since 2014, the men’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo is shaping up to be an unforgettable showdown of skill, pride, and national pride.

Bookmakers have already dropped early odds on who could go all the wayand it’s safe to say the heavyweight hockey nations are back in their usual spots at the top of the futures board. But just how locked-in is Canada? Can the United States end their long gold medal drought? Will the Swedes and Finns make Olympic history? Let’s drop the puck on the top contenders, their odds, and where the betting action might be worth a sneaky wager.

?? Canada: The Favorites Once Again

It’s no surprise to see the maple leaf stamped firmly atop the odds boards. Canada is hovering around +200 to snatch gold in Italy, and when you peek at their projected roster, it reads like an NHL All-Star ballot cranked up to 11. Imagine Connor McDavid darting through traffic, Sidney Crosby orchestrating play with veteran poise, and Cale Makar carving up the ice like a sculptor in flight. Sprinkle in names like Nathan MacKinnon and Leon Draisaitl* (*German by nation, but don’t we all wish?) and you’ve got a lineup not just dripping with talent, but potentially drowning in it.

There’s a reason Canada boasts nine Olympic men’s hockey gold medals, most recently in 2014and why they’ll be backed robustly at sportsbooks around the world. Depth, experience, and arguably the world’s best blueline make them deserving front-runners.

?? United States: America’s Time?

No team has a bigger chipor more potentialon its shoulder than the United States. Sitting at around +350, Team USA is not only younger and faster than it’s been in years, it’s also hungrier. With recent graduates from a golden World Junior generation, the Americans could ice a squad featuring Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, Jack Eichel, and Jake Oettinger between the pipes.

Despite strong showings in Olympic historysecured gold in 1960 and the iconic Miracle in 1980Team USA hasn’t medaled in the Olympics since 2010. Could Milan be their renaissance moment? If their young core gels and the goaltending holds, don’t bet against the Stars and Stripes making a serious run at gold.

?? Sweden: Regally Calm, Dangerously Skilled

Sweden, priced near +500, is among the most intriguing teams headed to the Italian Alps. Why? Their potential roster boasts a tasteful combination of finesse, defensive awareness, and arguably the deepest goaltending pool in the tournament. With players like Victor Hedman, Elias Pettersson, and breakout forward Lucas Raymond, Tre Kronor may not dazzle with flash, but expect them to suffocate offenses and capitalize on counterattacks.

With Olympic gold in 2006 and silvers in both 1928 and 2014, Sweden’s international discipline and composure make them a team to respectand potentially profit from if they go on a run.

?? Finland: Never Underrate the Finns

Fresh off gold at the 2022 Beijing Olympics (an NHL-less tournament, yes, but still no small feat), Finland is currently floating at around +800 odds. Call them underdogs if you likebut do so at your own peril. The Finns play structured, team-first hockey with a work ethic that never seems to waver.

If Juuse Saros is in net and Sebastian Aho centers their top line, Finland becomes the team nobody wants to face in a single-elimination game. They may lack the high-end flash of the North Americans, but their relentless efficiency and consistency can’t be ignored.

?? Czechia: The Dark Horse to Watch?

No team loves upsetting the hockey hierarchy quite like Czechia. With odds somewhere around +1200, they’re nobody’s favoritebut they might just be one of the most fun long-shots in the tournament. With forwards like David Pastrnak and Martin Necas driving offense, and a few steady veterans holding down the backend, Czechia could easily play spoiler.

They haven’t claimed gold since the iconic 1998 Nagano Olympics, but in a short tournament with massive momentum swings, anything can happenand they’ve got enough goal-scoring to give any top team headaches.

?? Russia/Observed Neutral Status: A Wild Card

As of now, the status of Russian athletes competing under a neutral flag remains murky. Still, with players like Kirill Kaprizov and Andrei Vasilevskiy in the wings, Russiaor whatever form they’re allowed to compete inremains a perennial threat. Typically seen near +900 on the oddsboard, they’ve got the firepower and goaltending to make a run. Political questions aside, bettors won’t be sleeping on them once lineups are confirmed.

The Best Bet?

It’s hard to argue against picking Canada or the U.S.but the odds favoring Canada don’t offer much in terms of value. Smart futures bettors may turn their sights to Sweden or Finland. Both teams offer a mix of top-end talent and value pricing. Finland in particular, at +800, makes for an interesting hedge pick. If they draw a favorable bracket, there’s a decent chance they emerge from a semifinal with momentumand as we’ve seen before, momentum is everything in March, even when it freezes in February.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Winter Olympics men’s ice hockey tournament is destined to be a battle for the agesNHL stars reunited under national flags, rivalries reignited, and pride on the line. Whether you’re betting for bragging rights or backing your favorite nation, one thing is certain: hockey fans are in for an icy treat.

Just remember to check back as we inch closer to puck drop. Rosters, injuries, and potential political developments could swing the market faster than a Connor Bedard one-timer. Until then, choose your side, lace up your sportsbook app, and let the early odds games begin.

Odds courtesy of Sportsbooks as of publication. Subject to change as Olympic rosters are announced.

OBS Broadcast Training 2026

The countdown to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games has officially begunnot just for the athletes, but for the next generation of sports broadcasting talent as well. With seamless precision and the spotlight ever focused on innovation, the Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) has officially flung open the doors to its coveted Broadcast Training Programme for 2026. And if you’re a student with a passion for the action behind the action, consider this your golden ticket.

Step Behind the Camera: The Real Olympic Experience

Organized by the OBS in collaboration with local partners in Italy, the Broadcast Training Programme (BTP) offers university students a front-row seat to the inner workings of Olympic broadcasting. But spoilers aheadthis is no spectator sport. Students will dive straight into hands-on roles during the Games, working alongside seasoned professionals on-site in Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

From camera operations and audio engineering to logistics and venue coordination, the BTP leaves no broadcast stone unturned. This comprehensive training isn’t just about building CVs; it’s about building careers. Several past participants have gone on to broadcast Olympic events and even land jobs with major media outlets.

Who’s Eligible and How to Apply?

Open to college and university students currently enrolled in Italian institutions, the programme is designed to unearth and nurture local talent. Students from fields such as media production, communications, journalism, sports science, and even engineering are encouraged to apply.

Applications are now live, and the process is as rigorous as it is rewarding. The OBS, keen on recruiting not only technical expertise but also the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship, will screen for aptitude, attitude, and a genuine passion for sports storytelling.

Key Criteria:

• Be enrolled in an Italian university during the training period
• Fluent in English and/or Italian
• Interest or background in media, production, broadcasting, or sports

Why This Programme Matters

Let’s put it this way: broadcasting the Olympics isn’t simply about pointing cameras and rolling tape. It’s about capturing history while it’s being made. The OBS sets the global broadcasting benchmark, delivering Olympic content to billions across the globeand the BTP throws students right into the heart of that mission.

By turning host city classrooms into training grounds for future broadcasters, the programme ensures a unique blend of local involvement and international standards. It’s a signal to students that their careers don’t have to wait until graduationthey can begin under the Olympic rings.

“Our goal is to provide young professionals with unparalleled exposure to live sports broadcasting, opening career pathways that extend far beyond the Games themselves,” said Yiannis Exarchos, OBS Chief Executive Officer.

A Proven Legacy of Talent

This isn’t OBS’s first training sprint. Similar programmes were a smash hit during previous editions of the Games, including Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022. Thousands of students have walked away with not just new skills but a new perspectiveone that only comes from experiencing the largest multi-sport event on Earth from behind the scenes.

The result? A pipeline of skilled, flexible, and Olympics-ready professionals. And in an industry where speed, accuracy, and creativity are king, that kind of training is priceless.

From Students to Storytellers

Whether it’s capturing the crescendo of a gold-medal figure skate or orchestrating the seamless transfer of live footage from mountaintop to monitor, the students lucky enough to earn a spot in the BTP will be tasked with making the magic happen. They’ll become the quiet architects behind billions of unforgettable Olympic memories.

Milano Cortina 2026 will offer the obsBP class of 2026 front-row seatsnot in the stands, but at the controls. Fast-paced, high-pressure, and bursting with once-in-a-lifetime moments, it’s an adventure tailored for those bold enough to point their lens toward excellence and say, “Action.”

Applications Are OpenAre You In?

The opportunity to learn from the masterminds of Olympic broadcasting doesn’t come every dayor every Olympics. The BTP isn’t just a training programme; it’s the starting gate to a career running parallel with Olympic excellence. If you think you’ve got the focus, the flair, and the fuel for this journey, applications are ongoing.

The Games await. And behind the cameras, the next generation of sports storytellers will take center stage.

Cortina Real Estate Surge

The Alpine town of Cortina d’Ampezzo has long been a darling of ski aficionados, fashionistas, and luxury seekersbut with the 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon, this snow-dusted jewel is now drawing a new type of crowd: property investors.

A Gold Medal for Property Values

In a twist worthy of an Olympic surprise finish, Cortina’s property market is soaring higher than a ski jumper off Trampolino Italia. According to recent reports, the average asking price for property in Cortina has shot up to an icy €12,500 per square meter. That’s a nearly 30% increase over the past year, making it not just Italy’s premier ski resort, but one of its priciest real estate plays.

The Olympic Effect: Real Estate on Steroids

It didn’t take a slalom champion to see this coming. When Milan and Cortina were announced as hosts for the 2026 Winter Olympics, expectations for economic uplift followed faster than a puck on Olympic ice. Infrastructure projects, including the long-awaited upgrading of the railway connecting Calalzo and Cortina and improved highway access, have frosted the cake beautifully. As investors often do, they’ve raced ahead of the actual construction timeline, scooping up chalets, condos, and commercial properties in anticipation of swelling tourism and post-Olympic buzz.

Luxury Living at Altitude

Cortina isn’t just an Olympic venueit’s Italy’s Queen of the Dolomites. Celebrities, Italian aristocracy, and well-heeled visitors from across Europe have graced Via del Castello for decades, and the real estate landscape reflects that pedigree. Chalets adorned in Tyrolean woodwork and early-20th-century architecture aren’t just homesthey’re lifestyle trophies.

As ski-in, ski-out properties find themselves at the top of every affluent family’s wishlist, developers are sprinting to refurbish older buildings and build new luxury units, often taking cues from eco-conscious alpine designs. Think geothermal heating with your après-ski hot chocolate. La dolce vitajust with snow boots.

The Risk of an Overheated Market?

While enthusiasm is high and prices are climbing faster than alpine cable cars, some experts caution that the boom could slide into snowball territory. Questions loom about affordability for locals, potential oversupply post-Olympics, and the sustainability of such rapid appreciation.

“Olympic events have a habit of igniting short-term real estate fires. The trick is maintaining long-term value once the spotlight fades and the snow settles.”Property Analyst Marco Galli

Nevertheless, the fundamentals in Cortina remain strong. The town boasts heritage, beauty, proximity to Venice, and massive international brandinga blend that’s difficult to replicate and likely to maintain post-Olympic charm.

Milan-Cortina 2026: The Real Estate Torch is Lit

Across the Alps, towns from Bormio to Livigno are watching with envyand perhaps a not-so-quiet hope that trickle-down interest from Olympic mania may land in their valleys too. But Cortina is enjoying its time in the winner’s circle now.

For athletes, the goal is Olympic gold. For investors in Cortina, it’s the golden square meter.

What’s Next?

With just under two years before the cauldron is lit, expect Cortina’s property scene to remain white-hot. Whether it plateaus post-Olympics remains to be seen, but for now, investors and winter dreamers alike are making their markor at least buying theirs.

So if you’re thinking of owning a slice of snowbound paradise, lace up your boots. Cortina’s market race is in full swingand it’s not waiting at the lift line.

Scott Hanson Gold Zone

Get ready to cue the Olympic fanfareand maybe keep that remote locked on Peacockbecause Scott Hanson is officially returning to host Gold Zone for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. America’s favorite sports traffic controller is back in the studio, steering us through a thrilling, multi-sport joyride that perfectly blends high-stakes athletic drama with RedZone-style magic. Yes, it’s happening again, and no, you won’t need seven screens to follow the action.

The Return of the Gold Standard

Confirmed by Peacock, Hanson will reprise his role as the face and voice of Gold Zone, NBCUniversal’s whip-around coverage that debuted during the 2024 Paris Summer Games. Think of it as a mashup between Olympic highlights and your favorite NFL Sundayserved up live, with minimal commercials and maximum adrenaline.

Hanson, dubbed “the guy who never blinks,” earned widespread praise for his 2024 Olympic coverage. With a background rooted deeply in sports broadcasting and a cult-like following from NFL RedZone, his move to Peacock’s Olympic coverage was as seamless as a downhill skier hitting every gate. Now, he’s back to guide us through icy slopes, curling sheets, and skeleton sleds with the same energy he brings to game day Sundays.

From Touchdowns to Triple Axels

Let’s be realthere’s nobody better suited to spin the Olympic kaleidoscope than Scott Hanson. The man has a genuine gift for translating chaos into clarity without ever breaking a sweat. Whether it’s a sudden breakout in women’s hockey or a jaw-dropping halfpipe run, Gold Zone delivers the biggest moments as they happen, not six hours after the fact when you’ve already seen them on social media.

“We’re going to bring the energy and immediacy viewers love,” Hanson said in a previous interview. “Olympic sports don’t take timeouts, and neither will we.”

Like RedZone, Gold Zone eschews the long-form commentary for laser-focused live look-ins from venue to venue. The program is designed for viewers who want a curated viewing experience without missing the meat of the action. No filler. All thriller.

Why This Move Matters for Peacock

Peacock isn’t just re-running old playbooks here. The streamer has doubled down on live sports coverage as a lynchpin of its broader audience strategy. That includes exclusive streaming rights to marquee events and fresh, innovative formats like Gold Zone.

Bringing Hanson back is a bold, calculated winnot just for the brand, but for viewers, too. His ability to make cross-country skiing feel like the two-minute drill is genuinely unmatched. NBCUniversal recognizes the potential. For an event as sprawling as the Olympics, a whiparound stream reduces the pain of decision paralysis and keeps audiences engaged longer.

Key Takeaways:

• Scott Hanson returns as host of Gold Zone for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
• Gold Zone will be streaming live on Peacock throughout the Games.
• This format delivers real-time thrills across multiple sports, minus the ad breaks.
• 2026 Games will be hosted in Milano Cortina, Italy, spanning snow and ice disciplines.

A Wintry Spin on a Winning Formula

For Olympic fans who love the spectacle but struggle with schedulingGold Zone is the cheat code you didn’t know you needed. Imagine watching Shaun White’s spiritual successor nail a 1440, while a Canadian ice dance pair secures a perfect ten, and a biathlete holds first placeall in the same 10-minute span. That’s the dopamine rush this format brings to the table. And with Hanson at the helm, it’s practically appointment viewing.

The 2026 Winter Games don’t kick off until February, but the anticipation is already mounting. Peacock is betting big on live sports, and Scott Hanson is, once again, the face of that vision. If 2024 was the proof of concept, 2026 promises to be the encore fans didn’t just wantthey demanded.

Final Word

Scott Hanson’s Gold Zone isn’t just a streamit’s a strategy. It’s packaged hype, distilled glory, and raw Olympic emotion piped directly into your living room. So sharpen your skates, buff your bobsleds, and prep that Peacock subscription. 2026 is going for gold, and thanks to Hanson, we won’t miss a single goosebump-inducing moment.