The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are officially open, launched in an historic ceremony held in a number of Italian locations simultaneously.
With ceremonies in both host cities, 370km apart, and athletes parades in both places and also Livigno and Predazzo, it was part of what the IOC are calling the first "widespread Olympic Games".
Athletes from 92 delegations will compete at these Games. Not all countries had athletes marching aside from their flagbearers.
Australia was represented in all four locations, with the bulk of the team marching in Livigno. Flagbearers Matt Graham and Jakara Anthony led the way, with all the team looking like they were enjoying the experience amid strong support from the Italian crowds.
The ceremony brought an artistic vision and a celebration of Italian culture and music.
Pop superstar Mariah Carey delivered a version of Domenic Modugno's iconic Italian song "Nel blu, dipinto di blu (Volare)" in the San Siro Olympic Stadium.
Later, tenor Andrea Bocelli performed the aria Nessun Dorma, 20 years after the late opera great Luciano Pavarotti sang the same piece to bring the 2006 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Torino to a close.
The ceremony paid tribute to legendary Italian designer Giorgio Armani, with models wearing his fashion in red, white and green, making up the Italian flag on a "frunway" at San Siro.
Both Milano Cortina organising committee president, Giovanni Malagò, and IOC president Kirsty Coventry used their speeches to call for respect and unity.
Italian president Sergio Mattarella officially opened the Games, before the cauldrons, designed as "twin suns", were lit, with Alpine skiing legends Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni providing the final touch as they stood on a raised dais in Milano.
Look back at all the action in our live blog.
[live blog]
