Milan: JD Vance has been appointed to lead the United States presidential delegation at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled to take place in Milan on February 6.
The announcement has been confirmed by the White House, underscoring the significance of the event in strengthening international relations and showcasing American representation at one of the world’s most prestigious sporting gatherings.
JD Vance will attend the ceremony alongside Second Lady Usha Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and United States Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta. The delegation will also include a distinguished group of former Olympic champions, highlighting the strong connection between diplomacy and sporting excellence.
Among those joining are Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando, members of the United States women’s ice hockey team that secured gold at the 2018 Winter Games. Their presence symbolises the legacy of American success in winter sports.
Also included in the delegation are figure skater Evan Lysacek, who won Olympic gold in 2010, and short track speed skating champion Apolo Ohno, a two-time Olympic gold medallist. The inclusion of such prominent athletes reflects the United States’ intention to honour sporting achievement while promoting the Olympic spirit of unity and excellence on a global platform.
The opening ceremony itself has been designed in a groundbreaking format for the Winter Olympics. While the main celebration will take place at Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium, expected to host tens of thousands of spectators, the traditional Parade of Nations will be staged simultaneously at three mountain venues: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Predazzo, and Livigno.
Competition at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games will run until February 22, with events held across Milan and various sites in northern Italy. The Games are expected to draw global attention not only for athletic excellence but also for innovation in event organisation and venue integration.
The White House has clarified that President Donald Trump will not attend the opening ceremony and is not listed as part of the delegation. The leadership role assigned to JD Vance has therefore placed significant diplomatic and ceremonial responsibility on the Vice President, reinforcing the importance of United States participation in international sporting and cultural events.
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