In pictures: The Winter Olympics opening day

Mariah Carey performs during the Olympic opening ceremony in Milan's San Siro. Pic: AP

Friday 6 February 2026 22:45, UK

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The Winter Olympics officially started today.

An opening ceremony saw Mariah Carey take the headlines for her rendition of Volare - to mixed results. Famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli was also on the billing.

Team GB are welcomed by fans. Pic: Reuters
Image: Team GB are welcomed by fans. Pic: Reuters
There will be roughly 2,800 athletes taking part in the games this year. Of them, 53 will be flying the flag for Team GB - taking part in 11 disciplines.
British stars Anastasia Vaipan-Law and Luke Digby come out of the shadows to stun fans during a figure skating pairs team event. Pic: AP
Image: British stars Anastasia Vaipan-Law and Luke Digby come out of the shadows to stun fans during a figure skating pairs team event. Pic: AP
Lithuania's Allison Reed and Saulius Ambrulevicius limber up during a figure skating practice session: Pic: AP
Image: Lithuania's Allison Reed and Saulius Ambrulevicius limber up during a figure skating practice session: Pic: AP

Using an unprecedented four sites makes the Milan Cortina games the most spread out in Winter Olympic history, covering 8,500 square miles - roughly the size of New Jersey.

Canada's Cameron Spalding gets plenty of exposure at the men's snowboard Big Air qualifications. Pic: AP
Image: Canada's Cameron Spalding gets plenty of exposure at the men's snowboard Big Air qualifications. Pic: AP
A freestyle skier hits the slopes at Livigno Snow Park. Pic: Reuters
Image: A freestyle skier hits the slopes at Livigno Snow Park. Pic: Reuters

A total of 116 events in eight sports are scheduled to take place across 19 days of competition.

Italian Dorothea Wierer is firing on all cylinders during a training session in Anterselva. Pic: AP
Image: Italian Dorothea Wierer is firing on all cylinders during a training session in Anterselva. Pic: AP
Italian ice hockey players huddle during a preliminary match between Italy and France . Pic: AP
Image: Italian ice hockey players huddle during a preliminary match between Italy and France . Pic: AP

Venues across the north and northeast of Italy will host the events, with most indoor sports, such as the skating and ice hockey, taking place in Milan, Italy's fashionable financial hub.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry looks at Vice President JD Vance, as they pose for a group photo at the heads of states dinner. Pic: AP
Image: IOC President Kirsty Coventry looks at Vice President JD Vance, as they pose for a group photo at the heads of states dinner. Pic: AP
Outside, student protesters spray paint anti-ICE messaging on a wall. Pic: AP
Image: Outside, student protesters spray paint anti-ICE messaging on a wall. Pic: AP

The build-up to the games has been marred with controversy, however. The presence of U.S. Vice President JD Vance and American immigration agents has prompted a series of protests.

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