Sofia Goggia lit the Olympic cauldron at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on February 6, 2026.
What happened?
The Italian alpine skier played a key role in bringing the Winter Games back to Italy, and lighting the cauldron was a fitting recognition of her efforts.
She stood underneath the cauldron, flame in hand, at Corso Italia in Cortina, describing it as "molto intimo" - very intimate.
Why it matters for Sofia Goggia
Goggia's successful plea to the International Olympic Committee in 2019 helped Italy edge out Sweden's bid to host the Games.
She and snowboarder Michela Moioli delivered an impassioned speech, punctuated by simultaneous dabs, to secure the bid.
Goggia's gilded résumé and her role in bringing the Games to Italy made her the perfect choice to light the cauldron.
What comes next?
Goggia is determined to win gold in the women's downhill on Sunday, February 8, and has been focused on her preparation.
She did breathing exercises in an isolated room before the Olympic flame ceremony to ensure she could fall asleep easily afterwards.
Goggia was asleep by midnight, just 31 minutes after the opening ceremony ended at 11:29 p.m. local time.
The 33-year-old skier has a strong chance of winning gold, given her past performances and experience.
Goggia's ultimate goal is to add to her Olympic medal collection, and she is confident in her abilities.
She has been training hard and is ready to take on the competition.
Goggia's success will depend on her performance on the slopes, and she is focused on delivering her best.
The women's downhill event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 8, and Goggia is expected to be a strong contender.