The 2022 Beijing Winter Games — overshadowed by strict covid measures, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, doping scandals and low ratings — ended with a thud in February.

However, a resurgence could lie on the horizon as Northern Italy was selected as the site of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Games will be co-hosted by Milan and the ski resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Cortina is a comune in the heart of the southern (Dolomitic) Alps in the Veneto region of Northern Italy.

Italy’s bid was chosen over Stockholm, Sweden, in a vote of 47-34, by the International Olympic Committee.

Many anticipated Italy to win the bid in light of broad public support and the willingness of government officials to negotiate the terms.

Olympic officials also see Italy as a way of pumping new life into the Games, which have suffered from high costs and waning ratings.

The Winter Games were last held in Cortina in 1956.

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