The Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics
Lesson duration is: 15 minIntroduction
Items in this lesson
The 2026 Winter Olympics
Yes
No
A little
Do you know about this?
What do you already know about the news of
The 2026 Winter Olympics
What are your feelings about this news?
At the end
of this lesson
You can explain what and where the 2026 Winter Olympics are.
You can tell which sports the UK athletes of TeamGB are participating in.
What's going on?
What?
The Winter Olympics are held every four years. In total, 3,500 athletes from 93 countries participate.
Where?
Most sports take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. And although the opening is in Milan, the Games conclude in Verona.
When?
The Olympic Winter Games will be held from 6 to 22 February 2026. There are a total of 16 sports.
Background
The Winter Olympic Games began in 1924 in Chamonix (Fr.)
Until 1992, they were held in the same year as the Summer Games.
Since 1994, the Winter Games have been organised in the even years between the Summer Games.
The Winter Olympic Games have been held in Italy twice before: in 1956 and in 2006.
Why do
you think this is important news?
What does this mean for…
The Athletes
They get the chance to perform at the highest level of sport. The Games can bring fame and new opportunities. At the same time, the pressure is immense, as athletes often train for years for this one moment.
The World
The 2026 Winter Olympics bring countries from all over the world together. Millions of people follow the Games via TV and social media. Sport demonstrates how countries can collaborate and feel connected with each other.
Russia and Belarus
Russia and Belarus are not allowed to participate as countries in the Winter Olympics due to the war in Ukraine. Some athletes may still compete, but without a flag, anthem, or country name.
What could be a consequence?
Which athletes do you know?
Great Britain at the Games
TeamGB
TeamGB is the collective name for Great Britain's top athletes at international tournaments. TeamGB participates in: curling,
skeleton, freestyle skiing & snowboarding, figure skating, alpine skiing,
bobsleigh, cross-country skiing, speed skating, and luge.
Flag Bearers
The flag bearers at the opening ceremony are Brad Hall and Lilah Fear. They were chosen due to their sporting achievements and role model status. Carrying the flag is a great honour.
Going for Gold
Team GB's best chances for Milano Cortina 2026 are in curling, skeleton, and freestyle skiing, with strong contenders in women's curling and promising talents in the other sports.emerging talents in freestyle skiing, are anticipated to perform well.
What do you think is the most challenging thing about
participating in the Olympic Games?
Key Concepts
Olympic Games
Major international sporting event, held every four years.
Winter Edition
Part of the Games featuring only winter sports.
Ceremony
Official opening and closing of the Games.
Olympic Village
Accommodation where athletes stay during the Games.
What question do you still have about this news?
News Focus lessons - short lessons on current events