Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 8:53 p.m. / Updated Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 8:55 p.m.
Although the organizers talk about a successful edition of the 2026 Winter Olympics and announce more than 1.2 million tickets sold, there are signals from several competition centers that the atmosphere is not up to expectations.
Competitions are spread across multiple locations, from Bormio and Antholz to Milan and Val di Fiemme, and the decentralized character seems to influence the overall perception.
Swiss athlete: “There is no Olympic spirit”
Swiss superstar Marco Odermatt said that in Bormio “There is absolutely no Olympic spirit”, suggesting that the atmosphere is more like a regular World Cup stage.
On the same note, Germany's Linus Strasser made a comparison with the previous edition, stating that the current experience makes him look differently including the 2022 Games, marked by pandemic restrictions.
Complaints are particularly aimed at the lack of extended moments of celebration outside the arenas and the fact that the award festivities are organized immediately after the trials in a standard format without dedicated events in the centers of the host cities, notes Blick.
IOC broadcasts a 'very successful' edition
There are also voices that say that the technical organization is at a high level, but the experience for the spectators does not have the energy specific to an Olympic edition. Some fans noted minimal differences from a regular competition on the international circuit.
On the other hand, in Cortina the atmosphere in the central area remains animated during the day, with supporters from several countries and fan zones.
The International Olympic Committee said the current edition was “very successful”, highlighting the high public interest and audience figures. The decentralized concept, with trials organized in several cities, is considered by officials to be a modern and sustainable solution.
