Milan and Cortina: Countdown to the Olympic Games
Milan and Cortina have been designated as the host cities for the upcoming Olympic Games, a decision made in 2019. As the event approaches, existing facilities have largely been utilized, while new venues have emerged to accommodate ice hockey and sliding sports. With just a year to go before the Games kick off, the Cortina Sliding Centre, which has been reconstructed on a historic track with an investment exceeding £72 million, faced a tight deadline to ensure its readiness.
Progress on New Venues
Fortunately, the project was completed in time, with the inaugural races for bobsleigh and skeleton taking place on the newly refurbished track last November. However, the same cannot be said for the Milano Santagiulia ice hockey stadium. Recently, Olympic organizers indicated that the venue would not be fully operational before the initial match on Thursday, though they expressed confidence that all scheduled games would occur there.
Challenges at Milano Santagiulia
With a capacity of 11,800, the new ice hockey rink in Milan has encountered numerous setbacks and controversies. Among the issues has been a warning of a potential boycott from the National Hockey League (NHL). The rink, which received approval from the International Ice Hockey Federation, is shorter than the NHL’s minimum requirements, raising concerns about the likelihood of high-speed collisions. Doubts have also been voiced regarding the quality of the ice surface.
Controversies Surrounding the Games
The situation became even more complex for the Italian hosts when biathlete Rebecca Passler was disqualified from the Games following a positive doping test earlier this week. Such incidents add to the challenges faced in the lead-up to the Olympics, further complicating the preparations for these prestigious sporting events.
Conclusion
As the Olympic Games draw nearer, Milan and Cortina are navigating various hurdles, from construction delays to controversies that could impact the athletes and the overall experience. With continued effort, the hope is to create a successful backdrop for this monumental event.
- The Cortina Sliding Centre was rebuilt at a cost of over £72 million.
- The Milano Santagiulia ice hockey stadium is facing delays ahead of its first match.
- Concerns about the arena include minimum size and ice quality issues.
- Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler was disqualified due to a doping violation.