Latest news with #MilanoCortina2026
NBC Sports
a day ago
- Automotive
- NBC Sports
HONDA SUPPORTING THE HOME TEAM AS FOUNDING PARTNER OF LA28 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES AND OFFICIAL AUTOMOTIVE PARTNER OF TEAM USA
As a Founding Partner, Honda will work closely with LA28 to deliver an accessible vehicle fleet for the Olympic and Paralympic Games using a wide range of mobility products Official Automotive Partnership includes Honda support of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams in the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and LA28 Games Honda makes multi-year $1M donation dedicated to helping individuals reach their life's potential, supporting the spirit of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement Partnership reflects Honda investment in America including U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles for more than 60 years and over 30,000 U.S. associates across the country TORRANCE, CALIF. (June 2, 2025) – Honda will help the world's greatest athletes pursue their dreams in 2028 as a Founding Partner of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Honda, which established its first U.S. operations in Los Angeles in June 1959, will also serve as the Official Automotive Partner of Team USA, supporting the United States Olympic and Paralympic teams during the LA28 Games and upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The partnership was announced today by LA28, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and Honda during a celebration at the American Honda headquarters in Torrance, California. American Honda President & CEO Kazuhiro Takizawa was joined by LA28 Chairperson & President Casey Wasserman, LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Properties CEO John Slusher, USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland, and LA28 Chief Athlete Officer Janet Evans, in addition to U.S. Olympians and Paralympians Misty May-Treanor, Sara Hughes and Susannah Scaroni, along with community and business partners. 'The founders of Honda established our first U.S. operation in Los Angeles over 65 years ago, believing that success in America would lead to the success of Honda worldwide,' said Kazuhiro Takizawa, President & CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 'On behalf of our 30,000 associates across the U.S. and in Southern California, Honda is proud to partner with LA28 and Team USA to support the remarkable athletes who will follow that same path to realize their dreams in Los Angeles in the quest for gold in the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.' 'In 2028, thousands of athletes will descend on Los Angeles to chase their Olympic and Paralympic dreams. LA28 and Honda share a belief in the power of those dreams—and in the ability of the Games to inspire people everywhere to reach for excellence,' said Casey Wasserman, LA28 Chairperson and President. 'I'm proud to welcome Honda—a company deeply invested in the U.S. and the LA region—to the LA28 and Team USA family as a Founding Partner. Together we will drive excellence and innovation for the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.' 'We are thrilled to welcome Honda to the family of Team USA and LA28 partners, and we are grateful for their support of Team USA athletes as they chase their Olympic and Paralympic dreams,' said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. 'The LA28 Games will be transformative for athletes and fans alike, and partners like Honda will help tell that story and drive Olympic and Paralympic engagement to new levels.' Honda Role as an LA28 Founding Partner As a Founding Partner and the Official Automotive Partner, Honda will work closely with LA28 on an accessible vehicle fleet for the Games, featuring a wide range of mobility products—helping thousands of athletes, officials and other key Games stakeholders from around the world move across Southern California. 'Few events embody perseverance, self-belief, the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence like the Olympic and Paralympic Games—qualities that align with the longstanding Honda global brand slogan, 'The Power of Dreams – how we move you',' added Takizawa. 'The dreams of Honda associates serve as the driving force of our company, leading Honda to take on challenges to create a freedom of mobility that moves people physically, while also moving them emotionally. In this way, we can help the world's greatest athletes—and people everywhere—fulfill their own life's potential and enjoy their lives.' Honda will offer a wide range of mobility products for usage throughout the Games, maximizing the use of electrified vehicles like the upcoming Honda 0 Series and Acura RSX. Honda also will provide powersports products including motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-sides, as well as Motocompacto e-scooters plus Honda Marine engines. Additionally, LA28 plans for Honda and Acura vehicles to act as the official pace vehicles for all LA28 endurance events. This partnership builds on the six-decade commitment of Honda to Los Angeles and communities across the country. Honda will continue to support the spirit of the Games by committing $1 million over the next four years to organizations that help individuals reach their life's potential, on and off the field. This is on top of the more than $16 million committed by Honda and the Honda USA Foundation this year to support organizations advancing mobility, education, environment, traffic safety and community initiatives. Honda and NBCUniversal look forward to expanding the partnership to include a multi-platform media collaboration with NBCUniversal, spotlighting Honda across coverage of both Milano Cortina 2026 and the LA28 Games. 'Honda has a rich history in the United States, with deep roots in Los Angeles, and their commitment to achieving excellence directly connects to the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games,' said Mark Marshall, Chairman, Global Advertising and Partnerships, NBCUniversal. 'They are the perfect partner to join the Movement for both LA28 and Milan-Cortina, and we are excited to showcase empowering stories with Honda's support throughout our comprehensive coverage of the Games. We look forward to extending our strong partnership with Honda across NBCUniversal.' Honda Commitment to Supporting the Dreams of Athletes Honda has long supported athletes in their efforts to achieve their Olympic and Paralympic dreams. Global Honda was proud to sponsor three Paralympic athletes who competed at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, including U.S. Paralympian Susannah Scaroni, who spoke during the press conference, and medaled in four Para Track & Field disciplines: 800m, 1500m, 5000m and the Marathon. Scaroni won a gold medal in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and is an LA28 hopeful. Additionally, for nearly four decades, Honda has sponsored the Collegiate Women Sports Awards and the prestigious Honda Cup, which counts numerous U.S. Olympic medal winners among its ranks including Southern California natives Lisa Fernandez (3x Gold Medalist, Softball) and Misty May-Treanor (3x Gold Medalist, Volleyball), who was on hand at the press announcement. Honda in Southern California Honda has shared a special bond with Los Angeles since 1959, when it opened its first U.S. office in a Pico Boulevard storefront. Just five years later, the company moved to Gardena, eventually settling into its current corporate campus in Torrance in 1990. Over the decades, Honda's ties to Southern California have only deepened—through long-standing partnerships with cultural institutions, live sport competitions, local attractions and venues across Southern California. Additional background on Honda's enduring relationship with SoCal and Honda in America is available here. ABOUT LA28 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES The LA28 Games will mark Los Angeles' third time hosting the Olympic Games, previously hosting in 1984 and 1932, and first time to host the Paralympic Games. Los Angeles will host the world's most elite athletes in 2028 as it welcomes Paralympians and Olympians from around the world to compete on the biggest stage in sports. The LA28 Games are independently operated by a privately funded, nonprofit organization, with revenue from corporate partners, licensing agreements, hospitality and ticketing programs, and a significant contribution from the International Olympic Committee. ABOUT HONDA IN AMERICA Honda started operations in the United States with American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in 1959. Today, Honda employs over 30,000 associates in America engaged in the development, manufacturing, sales and service support of Honda and Acura automobiles, Honda power equipment, Honda powersports products and the HondaJet advanced light jet. Based on its longstanding commitment to build products close to the customer, Honda operates 12 major U.S. manufacturing facilities, working with 620 U.S. suppliers to produce a diverse range of Honda products using domestic and global parts. Honda has built automobiles in America for over 40 years, and in 2024, nearly 64% of all Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S. were produced in America. Honda also conducts research and development activities at 23 facilities in America where it fully designs, develops and engineers many of the products the company manufactures in America. Honda and Acura high-performance racing programs are also conducted in America including the design and development of powertrain, chassis, electronics, and performance parts, as well as technical and race support. Learn more with the Honda Digital FactBook. ABOUT TEAM USA Team USA is the world's largest and most diverse team of athletes from across the United States who compete at the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, founded in 1894, serves as the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States and is responsible for protecting, supporting and empowering Team USA athletes. For more information, visit ABOUT NBCUNIVERSAL NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Visit for more information. ### LA28 Press Contact: Press@ Honda Press Contact: Andrew Quillin andrew_quillin@ —LA28—
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
HONDA SUPPORTING THE HOME TEAM AS FOUNDING PARTNER OF LA28 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES AND OFFICIAL AUTOMOTIVE PARTNER OF TEAM USA
As a Founding Partner, Honda will work closely with LA28 to deliver an accessible vehicle fleet for the Olympic and Paralympic Games using a wide range of mobility products Official Automotive Partnership includes Honda support of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams in the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and LA28 Games Honda makes multi-year $1M donation dedicated to helping individuals reach their life's potential, supporting the spirit of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement Partnership reflects Honda investment in America including U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles for more than 60 years and over 30,000 U.S. associates across the country TORRANCE, Calif., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Honda will help the world's greatest athletes pursue their dreams in 2028 as a Founding Partner of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Honda, which established its first U.S. operations in Los Angeles in June 1959, will also serve as the Official Automotive Partner of Team USA, supporting the United States Olympic and Paralympic teams during the LA28 Games and upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The partnership was announced today by LA28, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and Honda during a celebration at the American Honda headquarters in Torrance, California. American Honda President & CEO Kazuhiro Takizawa was joined by LA28 Chairperson & President Casey Wasserman, LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Properties CEO John Slusher, USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland, and LA28 Chief Athlete Officer Janet Evans, in addition to U.S. Olympians and Paralympians Misty May-Treanor, Sara Hughes and Susannah Scaroni, along with community and business partners. "The founders of Honda established our first U.S. operation in Los Angeles over 65 years ago, believing that success in America would lead to the success of Honda worldwide," said Kazuhiro Takizawa, President & CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "On behalf of our 30,000 associates across the U.S. and in Southern California, Honda is proud to partner with LA28 and Team USA to support the remarkable athletes who will follow that same path to realize their dreams in Los Angeles in the quest for gold in the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games." "In 2028, thousands of athletes will descend on Los Angeles to chase their Olympic and Paralympic dreams. LA28 and Honda share a belief in the power of those dreams—and in the ability of the Games to inspire people everywhere to reach for excellence," said Casey Wasserman, LA28 Chairperson and President. "I'm proud to welcome Honda—a company deeply invested in the U.S. and the LA region—to the LA28 and Team USA family as a Founding Partner. Together we will drive excellence and innovation for the Olympic and Paralympic Movements." "We are thrilled to welcome Honda to the family of Team USA and LA28 partners, and we are grateful for their support of Team USA athletes as they chase their Olympic and Paralympic dreams," said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. "The LA28 Games will be transformative for athletes and fans alike, and partners like Honda will help tell that story and drive Olympic and Paralympic engagement to new levels." Honda Role as an LA28 Founding PartnerAs a Founding Partner and the Official Automotive Partner, Honda will work closely with LA28 on an accessible vehicle fleet for the Games, featuring a wide range of mobility products—helping thousands of athletes, officials and other key Games stakeholders from around the world move across Southern California. "Few events embody perseverance, self-belief, the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence like the Olympic and Paralympic Games—qualities that align with the longstanding Honda global brand slogan, 'The Power of Dreams – how we move you'," added Takizawa. "The dreams of Honda associates serve as the driving force of our company, leading Honda to take on challenges to create a freedom of mobility that moves people physically, while also moving them emotionally. In this way, we can help the world's greatest athletes—and people everywhere—fulfill their own life's potential and enjoy their lives." Honda will offer a wide range of mobility products for usage throughout the Games, maximizing the use of electrified vehicles like the upcoming Honda 0 Series and Acura RSX. Honda also will provide powersports products including motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-sides, as well as Motocompacto e-scooters plus Honda Marine engines. Additionally, LA28 plans for Honda and Acura vehicles to act as the official pace vehicles for all LA28 endurance events. This partnership builds on the six-decade commitment of Honda to Los Angeles and communities across the country. Honda will continue to support the spirit of the Games by committing $1 million over the next four years to organizations that help individuals reach their life's potential, on and off the field. This is on top of the more than $16 million committed by Honda and the Honda USA Foundation this year to support organizations advancing mobility, education, environment, traffic safety and community initiatives. Honda and NBCUniversal look forward to expanding the partnership to include a multi-platform media collaboration with NBCUniversal, spotlighting Honda across coverage of both Milano Cortina 2026 and the LA28 Games. "Honda has a rich history in the United States, with deep roots in Los Angeles. Their commitment to achieving excellence directly connects to the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Mark Marshall, Chairman, Global Advertising and Partnerships, NBCUniversal. "They are the perfect partner to join the Movement for both LA28 and Milan-Cortina, and we are excited to showcase empowering stories with Honda's support throughout our comprehensive coverage of the Games. We look forward to extending our strong partnership with Honda across NBCUniversal." Honda Commitment to Supporting the Dreams of AthletesHonda has long supported athletes in their efforts to achieve their Olympic and Paralympic dreams. Global Honda was proud to sponsor three Paralympic athletes who competed at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, including U.S. Paralympian Susannah Scaroni, who spoke during the press conference, and medaled in four Para Track & Field disciplines: 800m, 1500m, 5000m and the Marathon. Scaroni won a gold medal in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and is an LA28 hopeful. Additionally, for nearly four decades, Honda has sponsored the Collegiate Women Sports Awards and the prestigious Honda Cup, which counts numerous U.S. Olympic medal winners among its ranks including Southern California natives Lisa Fernandez (3x Gold Medalist, Softball) and Misty May-Treanor (3x Gold Medalist, Volleyball), who was on hand at the press announcement. Honda in Southern California Honda has shared a special bond with Los Angeles since 1959, when it opened its first U.S. office in a Pico Boulevard storefront. Just five years later, the company moved to Gardena, eventually settling into its current corporate campus in Torrance in 1990. Over the decades, Honda's ties to Southern California have only deepened—through long-standing partnerships with cultural institutions, live sport competitions, local attractions and venues across Southern California. Additional background on Honda's enduring relationship with SoCal and Honda in America is available here. ABOUT HONDA IN AMERICAHonda started operations in the United States with American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in 1959. Today, Honda employs over 30,000 associates in America engaged in the development, manufacturing, sales and service support of Honda and Acura automobiles, Honda power equipment, Honda powersports products and the HondaJet advanced light jet. Based on its longstanding commitment to build products close to the customer, Honda operates 12 major U.S. manufacturing facilities, working with 620 U.S. suppliers to produce a diverse range of Honda products using domestic and global parts. Honda has built automobiles in America for over 40 years, and in 2024, nearly 2/3 of all Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S. were produced in America. Honda also conducts research and development activities at 23 facilities in America where it fully designs, develops and engineers many of the products the company manufactures in America. Honda and Acura high-performance racing programs are also conducted in America including the design and development of powertrain, chassis, electronics, and performance parts, as well as technical and race support. Learn more with the Honda Digital FactBook. ABOUT LA28 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMESThe LA28 Games will mark Los Angeles' third time hosting the Olympic Games, previously hosting in 1984 and 1932, and first time to host the Paralympic Games. Los Angeles will host the world's most elite athletes in 2028 as it welcomes Paralympians and Olympians from around the world to compete on the biggest stage in sports. The LA28 Games are independently operated by a privately funded, nonprofit organization, with revenue from corporate partners, licensing agreements, hospitality and ticketing programs, and a significant contribution from the International Olympic Committee. ABOUT TEAM USATeam USA is the world's largest and most diverse team of athletes from across the United States who compete at the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, founded in 1894, serves as the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States and is responsible for protecting, supporting and empowering Team USA athletes. For more information, visit ABOUT NBCUNIVERSALNBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Visit for more information. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Honda Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Shiffrin says in essay she feels 'like myself again' after recovering from ski racing crash, PTSD
FILE - United States' Mikaela Shiffrin reacts on the podium after winning the women's slalom at the World Cup Finals, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Sun Valley, Idaho. (AP Photo/John Locher, File) Mikaela Shiffrin, U.S. World Cup alpine skier, is interviewed at a NBCUniversal and U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee press preview event to promote the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) Mikaela Shiffrin, U.S. World Cup alpine skier, is interviewed at a NBCUniversal and U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee press preview event to promote the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) FILE - United States' Mikaela Shiffrin reacts on the podium after winning the women's slalom at the World Cup Finals, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Sun Valley, Idaho. (AP Photo/John Locher, File) Mikaela Shiffrin, U.S. World Cup alpine skier, is interviewed at a NBCUniversal and U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee press preview event to promote the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) Two-time Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin finally feels 'like myself again' after recovering from a ski racing crash last season and lingering post-traumatic stress disorder. Shiffrin described in an essay for The Players' Tribune released Friday the physical and mental hurdles she needed to clear after her serious spill during a giant slalom race in Killington, Vermont, on Nov. 30. In the crash, something punctured Shiffrin's side and caused severe damage to her oblique muscles. Advertisement 'Everyone knows what it feels like to have a bad cough. But PTSD … it's not like that,' the 30-year-old from Edwards, Colorado, wrote. 'It comes in all shapes and sizes. Everyone experiences it in their own way, and no two cases are exactly alike.' Shiffrin was leading after the first run of the GS that day in Killington. With the finish line in sight on her final run, she lost an edge and slid into a gate, flipping over her skis. The all-time winningest Alpine World Cup ski racer then slammed into another gate before coming to a stop in the protective fencing. To this day, she doesn't know what led to the puncture wound, only that it was "a millimeter from pretty catastrophic,' she told The Associated Press. Shiffrin wrote in The Players' Tribune it was 'difficult to explain what the pain felt like. But the closest I can get would probably be, it was like … not only was there a knife stabbing me, but the knife was actually still inside of me.' In late January, Shiffrin returned to the World Cup circuit. The giant slalom, though, remained a cause of anxiety and she skipped the event at world championships. Advertisement Ever so steadily, she's working on overcoming the mental trauma surrounding the GS as she gears up for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games. She won an Olympic gold medal in the discipline at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. She's been working with a psychologist to conquer her mental obstacles. 'I can admit that there were some extremely low moments," recounted Shiffrin, who won her 100th career World Cup ski race in February. "Times when I started second-guessing myself, or was critical of myself because I felt like I was letting what happened mess with me so much. It was like: Come on, Mikaela, people have had way worse crashes than that, way worse injuries. Those people got through it. What is wrong with you? "On particularly bad days, I'd question my motivation, or whether I still wanted to do this anymore. In my head, I'd be saying to myself: You know what, I kind of couldn't care less if I ever race again.' Advertisement She and the therapist began looking at her recovery through the prism of PTSD. 'With me, I also think it's possible that the crash I had at the beginning of 2024 in Cortina, and then Killington happening. … that those two crashes maybe built on one another,' Shiffrin said. 'I talked with my therapist about that, and she let me know that past trauma, or a history of traumatic events, can sometimes affect your reaction to new traumatic events.' She lost her dad, Jeff, five years ago in a home accident. Her fiancé and fellow ski racer Aleksander Aamodt Kilde of Norway is still recovering from a serious ski crash on Jan. 13, 2024. 'Maybe when I crashed and got that puncture wound, maybe that was kind of a perfect-storm situation for PTSD to take hold," Shiffrin wrote. Advertisement Shiffrin said one thing that's helped is 'getting back to a place of joy.' She closed her essay with: "All I can do is smile with appreciation. Because, finally .... I feel like myself again.' ___ AP skiing:
Toronto Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Why you'll see individual Russian athletes at 2026 Winter Olympics, but no teams
The IIHF had announced in February that the suspensions of Russian and Belarusian teams would continue through May 2026. Russia forward Alexander Ovechkin stretches before playing against Slovenia in a men's ice hockey game at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Postmedia files Though some individual Russian athletes may be allowed to compete as neutrals at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, the country's hockey teams will be on the outside looking in at the action. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Reuters news agency on Tuesday published a report stating the current ban on Russian teams will remain in place through the Milano Cortina 2026 men's and women's hockey tournaments, slated for February of next year. Hockey action begins Feb. 4, the opening ceremonies will be held two days later, and the Games will run through Feb. 22, the date of the men's gold-medal game at what will be the newly built 16,000-seat Milano Santagiulia arena. There was no official statement from either the International Olympic Committee (IOC) or International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) on Tuesday; however, the Reuters report quoted an unnamed IOC official. 'The recommendation of the IOC Executive Board from March 2023 regarding teams of athletes holding Russian passports remains in force. It is based on the premise that, by definition, a group of individual neutral athletes cannot be considered a team. We take note that the IIHF has confirmed it will follow this recommendation, which was made after consultations with the relevant International Federations and other stakeholders of the Olympic Movement.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The IIHF had announced in February that the suspensions of Russian and Belarusian teams would continue through May 2026 and IIHF president Luc Tardif said during a press conference last weekend at the world hockey championship in Stockholm that the IOC would be making this decision. 'Recently they asked us to send them a schedule without Russia, so that's where we are,' Tardif said. 'The official statement is pending but the IOC has told us that they are informing the Russian Olympic Committee that they are not participating in the Olympics.' Will Russian curling teams be banned from the 2026 Games? There are two spots open in each of the men's, women's and mixed doubles curling tournaments at Milano Cortina 2026, but it seems unlikely that Russian curling teams will be allowed to compete in qualifying events. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. World Curling extended their ban through the 2024-25 season, citing Rule C1(b) which states that a team may be removed from any event if the World Curling board decides the team's presence would 'damage the event or put the safety of the participants or the good order of the event at risk.' How have Russian hockey teams performed at previous Olympics? Competing under the banner of 'Russian Olympic Committee,' the men's team won gold at PyeongChang 2018. At Beijing 2022, they claimed silver as 'Team Olympic Athlete from Russia.' Neither of those Games featured athletes from the National Hockey League, but NHL players will return to the Olympics in 2026. Since NHL participation began at Nagano 1998, Russia earned a silver (Nagano 1998) and bronze (Salt Lake City 2002), and finished fourth at Torino 2006, fifth at Sochi 2014 and sixth at Vancouver 2010. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The women's team finished fifth in 2002, sixth in 2006, 2010 and 2014 — though it was disqualified in the latter Games for doping violations. The women were fourth in 2018 and fifth in 2022. Which nations will be represented in the men's and women's Olympic hockey tournaments at Milano Cortina 2026? According to reports, France will take Russia's spots in both the men's and women's tournaments. The men's competition will include Canada, Switzerland, Czechia and France in Group A; Finland, Sweden, Slovakia and Italy in Group B; as well as the U.S., Germany, Latvia and Denmark in Group C. The women's tournament will see Canada, the U.S., Finland, Czechia and Switzerland in Group A; Germany, Sweden, Japan, Italy and France in Group B. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Russian athletes have not been allowed to fly their country's flag at a Winter Olympics since they hosted Sochi 2014, the Games stained by the discovery of Russian state-sponsored doping that led to suspensions and disqualifications. The IOC took further action immediately after the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops in February 2022, four days after the Beijing Games came to an end. In response to Russia's illegal military action and the facilitation of Belarus, the IOC recommended on Feb. 28 that international sports federations ban athletes from Russia and Belarus. Most of the world's sport governing bodies, including the IIHF, banned those athletes. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A year later, the IOC lifted the ban on individual Russian and Belarusian athletes, provided they did not actively support their country's military operation and they agreed to compete as neutral athletes. The ban on national teams remained in place and is still in place today. The IOC took further action in October 2023, suspending the Russian Olympic Committee after it breached the Olympic Charter by 'incorporating regional sports organizations located in territory belonging to the Olympic Committee of Ukraine.' Read More Is it likely that individual Russian athletes will compete at Milano Cortina 2026 in sports other than hockey? This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Yes. There will be 116 events held in 16 sport disciplines at these Games and each world governing sport body will be empowered to make a decision regarding the potential participation or banishment of individual Russian and Belarusian athletes. The International Skating Union (ISU) already has granted permission for four Russian singles figure skaters to begin the qualification process for the Olympics in Italy. However, no pairs or ice dance teams from Russia or Belarus have been allowed to attempt qualification. The ISU also governs speed skating and short track speed skating, and it is likely that individual athletes from Russia and Belarus in those sports will compete in Italy. Reports also suggest the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation will vote at a September meeting to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete as neutral athletes at the 2026 Olympics. Toronto & GTA Sunshine Girls Celebrity Ontario Tennis
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2026 Winter Olympics – Men's Ice Hockey Betting Odds & Team Outlooks
Betting Odds unveiled for Men's Ice Hockey at 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy As the IIHF World Championships work their way into the final rounds, we look ahead to the next international tournament with the 2026 Winter Olympics. Officially known as the Milano Cortina 2026, the Olympic games will be hosted in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 to 22 with NHL players returning to Olympic ice for the first time since the Four Nations Face-Off this past February. The men's hockey tournament promises to be one of the premier events of the Games. Official Venues: PalaItalia and Fiera Milano Pavilion, Milan. More NHL: Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner Next Team Betting Odds Revealed 1. Canada (+150) 2. USA (+200) 3. Sweden (+550) 4. Finland (+750) 5. Czechia (+1400) 6. Switzerland (+5000) 7. Slovakia (+5000) 8. Germany (+5000) 9. Latvia (+14000) 10. Denmark (+14000) 11. Italy (+25000) 12. France (+25000) More NHL: Conference Finals Betting Round-Up: Unlikely Heroes Emerging as Value Plays After Game 1 Canada enters the tournament as the favorite thanks to its world-class talent pool. Led by superstars such as Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar, the Canadians boast a near-unmatched combination of speed, skill, and experience. While goaltending has been an area of concern in the past, Jordan Binnington showed at Four Nations that he can be a gamer and a reliable netminder when his nation needs him. Anything less than gold would be seen as a disappointment for this hockey powerhouse. The United States is poised to challenge Canada's dominance with one of its deepest Olympic rosters in history. Auston Matthews headlines a forward group supported by Jack Eichel, Matthew and Brady Tkachuk. On defense, Adam Fox and Quinn Hughes add elite puck-moving skills. With Connor Hellebuyck likely starting in net, the U.S. has a real chance to capture its first Olympic gold in the sport since 1980. Sweden always brings a balanced, technically skilled team, and 2026 is no different. Veterans like Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson will anchor the defense, while William Nylander, Elias Pettersson, and Mika Zibanejad provide offensive firepower. If they can get consistent goaltending from Linus Ullmark or Filip Gustavsson, Sweden has the tools to make a deep run. Finland's reputation for structured, defensive hockey and team-first mentality makes them a perennial dark horse. Aleksander Barkov, Sebastian Aho, and Mikko Rantanen headline a solid group of forwards. On defense, Miro Heiskanen leads the charge. With their gold-medal win at the 2022 Olympics still fresh, the Finns can never be overlooked. Czechia brings a dangerous blend of scoring talent and grit. David Pastrnak is a game-breaking winger, supported by Tomas Hertl, David Krejci, and Martin Nečas. However, their chances will hinge on their defensive structure and whether Petr Mrázek or Karel Vejmelka can deliver elite goaltending. They're not favorites, but they have the potential to surprise. Switzerland has quietly developed into a competitive international team. Roman Josi is a top-tier defenseman, while forwards like Kevin Fiala and Nico Hischier can score in bunches. The challenge will be depth and consistency, especially against the elite teams, but they're capable of a quarterfinal upset. More NHL: Veterans First: NHL Insiders Pick Players Who Deserve Cup First From Each Contender Slovakia is relying heavily on its new wave of young talent. Juraj Slafkovsky, the top pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, will be a focal point, while veterans like Tomas Tatar bring experience. Goaltending and defensive depth are areas of concern, but the Slovaks are physical and determined competitors. Germany continues to rise in international hockey, following a silver medal finish in 2018. Leon Draisaitl is one of the world's best players, and Tim Stützle adds offensive flair. If they get strong play from goaltender Philipp Grubauer, Germany could repeat or even exceed its recent Olympic success. Latvia shocked the hockey world with a bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World Championship. Though lacking NHL star power, players like Rudolfs Balcers and goaltender Elvis Merzļikins give the team credibility. They're physical, disciplined, and never an easy out. Denmark's rise in international hockey has been impressive. Nikolaj Ehlers and Oliver Bjorkstrand lead their offense, while goaltender Frederik Andersen could steal a game or two. Still, limited depth may keep them from progressing beyond the group stage. As co-hosts, Italy will be motivated to put on a respectable showing. While the talent gap is considerable, home-ice energy and experience from dual-national players like Alex Petan or Diego Kostner might make for a competitive game or two. France rounds out the field as an underdog. Pierre-Édouard Bellemare and Alexandre Texier provide NHL pedigree, but overall depth and defensive consistency are lacking. Gaining Olympic experience will be the main goal for this growing hockey nation. More NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs: Betting Odds For the Conference Finals
