The Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics have concluded, marking a historic first with the event being split across two cities, approximately 400 km apart. This shift indicates a new era where the Olympics move in accordance with climate rather than traditional city hosting, highlighting the need for more sustainable practices in light of climate change. Future events, such as the 2030 Winter Olympics, will embrace an even broader venue scope across the entire Alpine region, emphasizing a trend towards environmental consciousness and resource reusability.

In terms of environmental sustainability, the Milano-Cortina Games reused 90% of existing facilities, while the upcoming events in the French Alps promise even higher reuse rates by employing venues from previous games. However, the challenge remains as global warming threatens natural snow availability, forcing a reliance on artificial snow that contradicts eco-friendly objectives due to its high water and energy demands. This reflection on sustainability illustrates the complex balancing act of hosting Olympic games amidst climate concerns.

The games also sparked discussions about the Olympic values of peace and unity, notably illustrated by Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladislav Heraskevich, who sought to honor fallen colleagues with a helmet featuring their faces. Despite his intentions, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) intervened, citing political neutrality in sport as outlined in its charter. This decision has raised questions about the IOC’s commitment to humanistic ideals, especially when contrasting stances on political expression were evident, such as the lack of penalties for an athlete displaying the Russian flag. The tensions highlight a significant divergence in Olympic ideals versus the realities of political contexts, stirring debate on the true essence of the Olympic spirit.