Italy wins bid to host 2026 Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo

Other bidders, Swiss city Sion, Japan's Sapporo, Austria's Graz and 1988 hosts Calgary in Canada, pulled out over cost fears.

Most alpine skiing events will take place in the resort of Cortina.
Image: Most alpine skiing events will take place in the resort of Cortina.
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Italy will host the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo., it has been announced.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted 47 votes to 34, in favour of Italy's joint bid to stage the event rather than Stockholm, Sweden.

Skating sports and ice hockey will be held in Milan and most alpine skiing events will take place in the resort of Cortina.

Other snow sports will be held in other venues in the Italian Alps, including Bormio and Livigno.

Cortina last hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956, while Turin staged the 2006 edition of the games.

Before Monday's announcement, Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte stressed his country's desire to host the 2026 games.

Mr Conte said: "If I am here today in front of you, it is thanks to the enthusiasm of all Italy.

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"This is the dream of an entire country, and not only the government but also the regions."

Members of the delegation of Milan/Cortina d'Ampezzo  celebrate
Image: Members of the delegation of Milan/Cortina d'Ampezzo celebrate

IOC president Thomas Bach said: "Congratulations to Milan-Cortina. We can look forward to an outstanding and sustainable Olympic Winter Games in a traditional winter sports country.

"The passion and knowledge of Italian fans, together with experienced venue operators, will create the perfect atmosphere for the best athletes in the world.

"The Olympic Winter Games Milan-Cortina 2026 will feature iconic venues and beautiful settings, combining the attractions of a modern European metropolis with a classic Alpine environment."

There were only two candidates left after four other bidders, Swiss city Sion, Japan's Sapporo, Austria's Graz and 1988 hosts Calgary in Canada, had earlier dropped out of the race amid concerns over the event's size and costs.

The vote was held at the SwissTech conference centre where the IOC decided the 2024 Olympics and 2028 Olympics would be held in Paris and Los Angeles, respectively.