Published: 09 February 2026
The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics have entered their third day of competition under a cloud of civil unrest and political friction. While Canadian athletes like Madeline Schizas and Megan Oldham—who secured a bronze in women’s freeski slopestyle—capture headlines on the ice and snow, the streets of Milan have become a battleground for activists protesting the Games’ economic and environmental costs.
On Saturday, 07 February 2026, an estimated 10,000 demonstrators marched through Milan. While the majority of the “Free the Mountains” rally remained peaceful, clashes erupted near the Santagiulia Olympic ice hockey rink. Protesters deployed fireworks, flares, and smoke bombs, prompting Italian police to respond with tear gas and water cannons. Six individuals were arrested following the skirmishes.
A Convergence of Causes
The 2026 protests represent a complex intersection of local and international grievances:
- Economic & Environmental Impact: Local groups have condemned the Games as “unsustainable,” citing the high cost of living in Italy and the ecological footprint of mountain infrastructure.
- U.S. Immigration Policy: Student activists and protesters have rallied against the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who are reportedly part of the security detail for the American delegation. This follows recent deportation surges under the current U.S. administration.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Pro-Palestinian groups joined the marches over the weekend, demanding the ousting of Israel from the Games.
Government and IOC Response
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has issued a stern condemnation of the violence, labelling the agitators “enemies of Italy and Italians.” The Italian Transport Ministry has further escalated the situation by opening a terrorism investigation into alleged sabotage of railway lines leading into the host city.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued a call for calm on Sunday, urging a focus on the “unity of sport.” However, the political temperature remains high as U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized American athletes who have used the Olympic platform to speak out against his administration’s policies, stating it is “hard to cheer” for those who dissent.
Historical Context of Olympic Dissent
The unrest in Milan adds a new chapter to the long history of political interference in the Olympic Games. From the 1936 “Nazi Olympics” in Berlin to the 1976 Montreal Games—where 29 nations boycotted to protest apartheid South Africa—the Games have rarely been “apolitical.”
| Year | Location | Nature of Protest/Boycott |
|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Melbourne | First modern boycott; China withdrew over Taiwan’s inclusion. |
| 1976 | Montreal | 25 African nations boycotted over New Zealand’s rugby ties to South Africa. |
| 1980 | Moscow | U.S.-led boycott (including Canada) protesting the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. |
| 2026 | Milan-Cortina | Violent clashes over costs, ICE presence, and environmental sustainability. |
As competition continues, Canadian fans are looking toward Connor McDavid and the men’s hockey team, who held their first practice this week. However, with more demonstrations planned for the coming days, the balance between athletic achievement and civil discord remains precarious.