A Weekend Full of Emotions

Kick-off in Cortina

February 9, 2026
2 min. read

A Weekend Full of Emotions

Opening of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics
The Olympic spark has ignited.
The first weekend of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics has shown what defines this stage: great moments, strong performances, and lasting emotions.

An opening that gives you goosebumps
On Friday, the Games were officially opened with a spectacular show at the San Siro Stadium in Milan.

A special moment for Austria: Anna Gasser and Benjamin Karl proudly carried the red-white-red flag into Livigno as flag bearers, visibly proud and ready for the upcoming competitions.

Challenged athletically – strong mentally
The sporting kick-off was intense.
At the first major highlights of the men's downhill in Bormio and the women's downhill in Cortina, Austria did not win any medals, but the Olympic Games are characterized by courage, risk, and the willingness to give it all.

Medals that shine
Nevertheless, at the end of the weekend, there was a strong balance sheet:

🥇 Gold for Benjamin Karl in the Parallel Giant Slalom Snowboard
Direct duels, two identical courses, maximum precision. Benjamin Karl prevailed with explosive starts, perfect line choice and mental strength – and won Olympic gold.

🥈 Silver for Sabine Payer in the Parallel Giant Slalom Snowboard
Sabine Payer fought her way through each duel with determination, skill, and an unwavering will – and rewarded herself with silver on the grand Olympic stage.

🥈 Silver for Jonas Müller in the single luge
Maximum speed, minimal steering movements, full control. Jonas Müller showed strength in his Olympic performance and rewarded himself with silver.

The Games have begun
Three medals. Many strong performances. A clear signal.

The Austrian athletes have arrived – and are ready for everything else these Games have in store.

For us at Eisbär, one thing is clear:
Olympia is not just competition. It is attitude, focus, and the will to be ready at the right moment.

Photos: ÖOC Michael Meindl, ÖOC Patrick Steiner, GEPA