A Weekend Full of Emotions

Kick-off in Cortina

February 09, 2026
2 min. read

A weekend full of emotions

Kick-off of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games
The Olympic spirit has taken hold.
The first weekend of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games has shown what this stage is all about: great moments, powerful performances, and lasting emotions.

A start that gives you goosebumps
The Games were officially opened on Friday with a brilliant show at the San Siro stadium in Milan.

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

Athletically challenged – mentally strong
The sporting kickoff was intense.
While medals remained elusive for Austria at the first major highlights of the men's downhill in Bormio and the women's downhill in Cortina, the Olympic Games are defined by courage, risk, and the willingness to give everything.

Medals that shine
At the end of the weekend, however, there was a strong track record:

🥇 Gold for Benjamin Karl in Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom
Head-to-head duels, two identical courses, maximum precision. Benjamin Karl prevailed with explosive starts, perfect line choice, and mental strength – taking home Olympic gold.

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

🥈 Silver for Jonas Müller in men's singles luge
Maximum speed, minimal steering movements, full control. Jonas Müller showed strength during his Olympic performance and was rewarded with silver.

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

The Austrian athletes have arrived – and are ready for everything these games have yet to offer.

For us at Eisbär, it is clear:
The Olympics are not just about competition. It is about attitude, focus, and the will to be ready at the right moment.

Photos: ÖOC Michael Meindl, ÖOC Patrick Steiner, GEPA