From curling to a power outage, Olympic competitions underway ahead of opening ceremony

Athletes and organizers in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo officially launched preliminary competitions for the Winter Olympic Games on February 5, 2026, one day ahead of the main opening ceremony to manage the packed sporting schedule. While the lighting of the Olympic cauldron remains the most anticipated milestone of the week, the early start allowed specific events like curling to begin their round-robin stages. This early phase of the Games serves as a logistical prelude to the formal festivities, ensuring that high-volume tournaments can conclude within the standard sixteen-day Olympic window. NBC News correspondent Claudio Lavanga reported from the ground that while the atmosphere is building toward the grand celebration at the San Siro Stadium, the start has not been without its technical hurdles. Early reports indicated a power outage briefly impacted some facilities, highlighting the immense infrastructure demands placed on the Italian host cities. Despite these minor hiccups, the focus remains on the readiness of the venues and the high level of competition already displayed by international teams in the preliminary rounds. The upcoming opening ceremony is expected to be a historic affair, marking the first time the Winter Games have been hosted across two major distinct hubs in Italy. Organizers have promised a spectacle that blends traditional Italian culture with modern innovation, emphasizing sustainability and the heritage of the Alps. As the final rehearsals conclude, security measures have been tightened across both Milan and Cortina to accommodate the arrival of global dignitaries and thousands of fans expected to flood the region for the fortnight of elite winter sports.