The 2026 Winter Olympics are bringing thousands of athletes from around the world together for more than two weeks of competition — and the Games are a gold mine for statistics.

For many decades, Olympic Games included "demonstration sports." Some, like curling, became part of the permanent roster. But others, like skijoring, didn't stick around.

As the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics begin, all eyes were on teams from around the globe proudly donning their countries' uniforms for the opening ceremony, including Team USA in outfits designed by Ralph Lauren.

From medals to mascots, schedules to slopes—here’s everything you need to know to be ready for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

VAL D'ISERE, France (AP) — The skiing resort of Val d’Isère in the French Alps took a big step Monday toward hosting events at the 2030 Winter Olympics which France will organize. Through a vote of its municipal council,

These historic images capture the triumphs, tensions and beauty of the Games.

Stoats, or Mustela erminea, are a species of mustelid native to Eurasia and the northern parts of North America. This puts them in the weasel family, along with ferrets, otters, badgers and wolverines. Stoats are also known by many names—sometimes, they’re called ermines or short-tailed weasels.