The Olympics: Italian version
The Winter Olympics held in Cortina and Milan, Italy, in 2026 were nothing short of a showstopper. From breathtaking architecture to unforgettable food, Italy left a lasting mark on these Winter Games. I had the opportunity to attend the Olympics and the honor of photographing both the events and the surrounding culture. From Verona to Cortina, down to Venice, Lake Como, and over to Milan, every stop showcased the beauty of Italy while capturing the excitement of the Games.
This photo essay embraces the landscapes, cities, and Olympic moments in a new way. From skeleton athletes racing through high-speed runs to the striking backdrops of the arenas and the Olympic rings displayed throughout the country, each image reflects how every location contributed something unique to the Games. Italy brought together sport, history, and stunning scenery to create an unforgettable experience. Each photograph was taken through fresh eyes—seeing Italy for the first time—offering a collection of my first impressions that capture the magic of this historical time.
Just up the hill from the Olympic curling center in Cortina, you can see a view of the Dolomite mountains towering over the town during the Winter Olympics on February 12, 2026.
Halfway up the Olympic Sliding Center trail way, you can overlook the beautiful town of Cortina D' Ampezzo with stunning mountains in the background on a cloudy winter day on February 12, 2026.
#13 Austin Florian, running the individual round of Skeleton for team USA at Cortina D' Ampezzo sliding center in Italy
#23 Daniel Barefoot during his Skeleton run in Cortina for Team USA
The Olympic rings in Verona, Italy near the Ponte Scaligero bridge on February 11, 2026.
The ancient Castelvecchio Bridge also known as the Ponte Scaligero, in Verona Italy that leads visitors to the Castle and monuments like the Arco dei Gavi and the famous Romeo and Juliet balcony.
The Verona Arena that was built in the first century AD by the romans. This is the spot for the closing ceremonies and the opening ceremonies for the Paralympic games. The fencing is to help prepare for these events on February 22, 2026.
The streets of Cortina showing the beautiful town on your way between events with olympic banners hanging from the path.
The Cortina sliding center during the Skeleton event with the beautiful landscape in the background.
Duomo di Milan is a monumental cathedral in Milan and facing towards it was the olympic megastore.