Milano-Cortina 2026: Top Sports Italians are Searching For
As the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics draw near, interest among Italians is surging. An analysis by Casinos.com shows that ice hockey, figure skating, and snowboarding are the most searched winter sports online in Italy. With the event just days away, public, media, and digital discussions are intensifying.
Interest in Winter Sports in Italy
According to an Ipsos Doxa survey, over 70% of Italians are aware of the Winter Olympics and plan to follow them. This indicates a high level of engagement with the upcoming games. The soaring interest raises the question of which specific winter sports captivate online audiences in Italy.
Google Trends Data Highlights
The analysis utilized Google Trends data, evaluating searches for 16 sports included in the Milano-Cortina 2026 official program. Results provide a relative interest index from 0 to 100, calculated over the past year. This information reveals clear preferences and reflects Italy’s established sporting habits.
Top Searched Winter Sports
- Ice Hockey: Leading the online search interest with an index of 40, ice hockey stands out despite its non-dominant position in Italian sports. Its appeal stems from international popularity and engaging narratives in competitions.
- Figure Skating: Following closely is figure skating, registering an index of 35. The sport’s elegance, music, and personal athlete stories enhance its attractiveness, especially during the Olympics.
- Snowboarding: Ranked third, snowboarding has an index of 29. Its informal communication style and thrilling freestyle events resonate with younger audiences.
Other Notable Sports
In the mid-range, alpine skiing and curling both have an index of 22. Alpine skiing experiences fragmented interest, often focusing on athletes or specific events rather than the sport itself. Curling, although less commonly practiced, gains recognition during major international events.
Emerging Sports During the Olympics
Interest drops significantly for sports like biathlon (11), cross-country skiing (9), and skeleton (8), which primarily gain attention during the Olympics. Less popular are short track (4), bobsleigh (3), ski jumping, luge, and freestyle skiing (2), with Nordic combined registering no interest at all.
Changing Dynamics As the Olympics Approach
Observers note that the Olympics can dramatically change online interest in sports. Events that currently have low visibility might become significant focal points during the games. This phenomenon has been seen in past Olympic editions.
Conclusion
The analysis from Casinos.com underscores the relationship between sports popularity and media narratives. Milano-Cortina 2026 presents an opportunity for increased visibility of lesser-known sports, expanding audiences and linking winter sports with national identity. These insights not only reflect current interest but also set the stage for engaging storytelling and public engagement leading up to the Olympics.
