Skiers from host Italy still trying to secure a starting spot dominated the second downhill training session at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

This commentary was originally published by The Conversation. Watching the Winter Olympics is an adrenaline rush as athletes fly down snow-covered ski slopes, luge tracks and over the ice at breakneck speeds and with grace.

A huge multinational delegation will gather in Italy in February.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — A total of 13 Russian athletes are now set to compete as neutral individuals at the Milan Cortina Olympics after invitations from the IOC were confirmed Tuesday for Alpine skiers and lugers.

The Winter Olympics are here and athletes across the globe will soon chase medals in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo and elsewhere across northern Italy. Four Mainers — Frank Del Duca of Bethel, Emily Fischnaller of Falmouth, Sam Morse of Carrabassett Valley and Nathan Pare of Bethel (originally Farmingdale) — are set to compete for Team USA.

Famed American skier Lindsey Vonn enjoyed a snowy getaway in the Austrian mountains, as seen in a recent Instagram video.

According to ESPN, in addition to a lineup of several new events, the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, will be the most gender-balanced edition yet, with 47% of athletes being women.