Italy is gearing up for an extraordinary celebration of winter sports as it prepares to welcome the world to the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, and the host nation has plenty of reasons to be excited about its talented roster of athletes.

The Italian Olympic Committee has set an ambitious goal of 19 medals, reflecting confidence in the country's impressive depth of winter sports talent. In a wonderful show of support, medal winners will receive the same prize money as summer Olympic champions, with gold medalists earning 180,000 euros, demonstrating Italy's commitment to honoring athletic excellence.

Leading the charge is the remarkable Sofia Goggia, whose resilience has become legendary in alpine skiing. The 2018 Olympic champion embodies the fighting spirit that makes Olympic stories so inspiring. With 27 World Cup victories and four downhill World Cup titles to her name, the 33-year-old has repeatedly shown her ability to overcome challenges. Her incredible return to win silver at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, just weeks after a serious injury, stands as a testament to her determination and skill.

Italy's alpine skiing program also features the accomplished Federica Brignone, who dominated last season by winning the overall, downhill, and giant slalom World Cup titles. Her dedication to returning to competition showcases the passion these athletes bring to their sport.

In short track speedskating, the legendary Arianna Fontana continues to inspire. Italy's most decorated Winter Olympian with an astounding 11 medals across five Olympic Games, Fontana will compete in her second home Olympics. Her journey began at just 15 years old in Turin 2006, and now at 35, she remains a powerful force on the ice, proving that experience and determination create magic.

The curling duo of Amos Mosaner and Stefania Constantini brings an uplifting story of breakthrough success. After Italy had never won a curling medal before Beijing 2022, they dominated the mixed doubles competition with a flawless round-robin record and captured gold. They've continued their winning ways at the 2025 world championships, and Constantini will have the special opportunity to compete in her hometown of Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Dorothea Wierer, a veteran biathlete with three Olympic bronze medals and 12 world championship medals, will compete on her home track in Anterselva. The 35-year-old two-time World Cup champion is renowned for her exceptional shooting accuracy, and the home crowd support could be the ingredient that elevates her performance to new heights.

These inspiring athletes represent the best of Olympic spirit: perseverance, excellence, and the courage to pursue dreams even when facing adversity. As Italy prepares to showcase both spectacular venues and world-class athletic performances, the Milan Cortina Games promise to deliver unforgettable moments of triumph and national pride. The combination of home crowd energy and talented, experienced athletes creates the perfect recipe for an inspiring Winter Olympics celebration.