Germany names flag bearers as snow disrupts 2026 Winter Olympics prep
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan are drawing closer, with key announcements and schedule changes already underway. Germany has revealed its flag bearers for the opening ceremony, while Switzerland's choice remains unconfirmed. Meanwhile, heavy snow has disrupted training for alpine skiers in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
As of 4 February, no nation had officially named its flag bearers for the Milan Olympics. That changed the following day when Germany announced that ice hockey star Leon Draisaitl and luger Katharina Schmid would lead their delegation. Switzerland, however, has yet to make its selection public.
The opening ceremony is set for Friday evening, marking the start of the Games. But weather has already impacted preparations. The women's first downhill training session in Cortina d'Ampezzo, planned for Thursday at 11:30 AM, was called off due to continuous snowfall. Organisers confirmed that the second and third training runs would still go ahead on Friday and Saturday.
The women's downhill race itself remains scheduled for Sunday, provided conditions improve.
Germany's flag bearers are now confirmed, while Switzerland's decision is still pending. With the opening ceremony just hours away, athletes and officials are adapting to weather-related challenges. The women's downhill event will proceed as planned, assuming the snow eases in time.
