Korea House officially opened in Milan on February 5, 2026, aiming to promote Korean sport, tourism, and culture during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The event was attended by dignitaries including former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and International Skating Union President Kim Jae-yeol, who recently joined the IOC Executive Board. The venue, located within Villa Necchi Campiglio, will be managed by the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The mass start in speed skating, a format introduced at PyeongChang 2018, is gaining prominence and sparking technical discussions ahead of Milano Cortina 2026. Unlike traditional speed skating races, the mass start emphasizes collective racing, tactical awareness, and energy management, with intermediate sprints and drafting playing crucial roles. Olympic champion Bart Swings highlights the importance of group dynamics, strategic positioning, and psychological preparation in this unpredictable event.

The return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to the Winter Olympics remains a complex and evolving process. The IOC and international federations are navigating a fragmented landscape of decisions, political pressure, and exceptions, with each federation adopting different approaches. Some sports, like skiing and figure skating, have opened the door to neutral participation, while others, like biathlon and ice hockey, maintain stricter restrictions. The situation is further complicated by ongoing political debates and the IOC's efforts to balance principles with geopolitical realities.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee provided an update to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board on the final preparations for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games. The presentation highlighted strong momentum, evidenced by successful test events, workforce deployment, and public engagement through the Olympic Torch Relay. Key priorities for the coming weeks include venue activation, workforce mobilization, and operational integration. The Uniform & Accreditation Centre has opened, processing accreditations for Games-time staff. Test events, including those sanctioned by the International Skating Union, International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation, and International Ice Hockey Federation, have provided valuable feedback on operational readiness. The Olympic Torch Relay continues to generate public interest across Italy, fostering national support and connecting communities to Olympic values.

The inaugural OCA-ISU-CAIC Asian Figure Skating Youth Development Camp commenced in Harbin, China, on August 10, 2025, featuring 47 young athletes and 25 coaches from 20 Asian countries and regions. Julian Yee, the ISU representative, emphasized the camp's role in fostering the next generation of athletes and coaches in Asia. The camp is hosted by the OCA and the Harbin Municipal Government, with support from the Chinese Olympic Committee and the Chinese Figure Skating Association.