Protests and political commentary marked Milano Cortina 2026, with athletes navigating complex issues and facing scrutiny. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) enforced Rule 50 regarding political expression, leading to athlete disqualifications. The events raise concerns about the intersection of sport and politics at future events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Los Angeles 2028, particularly with Donald Trump's potential return to the White House. Athletes grappled with representing their countries amidst global divisions, while the IOC struggled to balance freedom of expression with maintaining a neutral Olympic environment.

The death of cartel leader 'El Mencho' has triggered widespread violence across Mexico, coinciding with preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Disruptions in Guadalajara, a host city, and other key locations like Mexico City and Monterrey, raise serious security concerns for the tournament, impacting travel, infrastructure, and the safety of teams, officials, and fans. Increased security measures and international cooperation are underway, but the situation poses a significant challenge to the event's successful execution.

Pau Gasol, a retired NBA legend and Hall of Famer, has been elected as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athlete Representative. He will serve as the new chair, alongside Maya Blotschovska (Poland), Humphrey Kayange (Kenya), and Oluwaseyi Smith (Canada) as vice-chairs. Gasol, previously an IOC member and committee member, will represent athletes' voices in the IOC's highest decision-making bodies. Korean bobsledder Won Yoon-jong, a former Olympian, will also serve as an IOC Athlete Representative alongside Gasol. This marks the third time a Korean has held this position, following Moon Dae-sung and Seung-min Ryu.

Korean bobsled legend Won Yun-jong has been elected as an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athlete Representative, securing the top spot with 1176 votes. This marks a historic moment as he is the first winter sports athlete from Korea to hold this position. His term will last for eight years, until the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Won Yun-jong joins Kim Jae-yeol, the President of the International Skating Union (ISU), as Korea's representatives on the IOC. As an Athlete Representative, Won will have the same rights and obligations as an IOC member, including voting rights and involvement in decisions regarding Olympic host cities and sports selection. He expressed gratitude and pledged to advocate for athletes and strengthen networks within the Olympic movement.

Following Kim Jae-yeol's election to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board, Won Yun-jong has been elected as an IOC Athlete Representative, significantly enhancing South Korea's sporting diplomacy. Won secured a decisive victory in the Athlete Representative election, garnering 1176 out of 2393 votes. This marks the third time a South Korean has held the position, following Moon Dae-sung and Ryu Seung Min. With Kim Jae-yeol also on the IOC Executive Board, South Korea now has two IOC members, a development expected to positively influence future bids, such as the 2036 Summer Olympics.