Spotlight: Winter Olympics and Staying Safe on Ice

Athletes from around the world will be representing their countries in winter sporting events for all to see at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Milano Cortina Games, officially open on Friday, February 6, 2026, with an Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy. Milan will host most of the ice events during the games, while Cortina d’Ampezzo will host the mountain and sleding events. Milan is well-known as one of the world’s leading fashion centers and is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper.” Cortina, located in the heart of the southern Dolomite mountain range, is a premier Alpine ski destination, which hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics. The official mascots of the 2026 Winter Games are a pair of sibling stoats, Tina (for Cortina) and Milo (for Milan). A stoat is an ermine, similar in shape and size to a weasel. Tina is the Olympic mascot, while her brother Milo is the Paralympic Mascot. Milo was born without one paw, but thanks to his creativity and strong will, he learned to walk using his tail, turning his difference into a strength. Tina and Milo were designed by Italian schoolchildren through a nationwide contest, and, with their deep love of sports and the outdoors, they serve as symbols of the vibrant, dynamic spirit of Italy and of the Olympic athletes. Curling, the first competitive event of the 2026 Games, begins on Wednesday, February 4^th. 

While Olympic athletes will be showcasing their world-class talents in a wide variety of wintery settings in Italy, those of us in Central Illinois face the simpler challenge of navigating icy winter weather as we walk from place to place. Frozen surfaces are often difficult to detect. Even a thin layer of ice dramatically reduces foot traction, increasing the chance for slips and falls. Shaded areas, untreated sidewalks, and spots where melted snow refreezes overnight all present hazards to pedestrians. Sprains, broken bones, and head injuries can all result from an unexpected fall on the ice. Safely navigating treacherous areas requires extra time, vigilance, and appropriate footwear. Choosing footwear with good traction or adding traction devices such as Yaktrax to the soles of your shoes can significantly reduce the risk of slipping on the ice. Taking shorter steps, keeping your center of gravity over your feet, and using handrails whenever possible are other ways to improve stability. Stay safe out there this winter season and enjoy watching the Olympics.