Italy, Milan and Cortina Winter Olympics/ Political tensions surface at the opening ceremony at San Siro
Italy opened the Milan and Cortina Winter Olympics on Friday with an elegant and colorful ceremony that celebrated the country's history, arts and fashion, but where global political tensions were highlighted in the crowd's reaction.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella officially declared the Games open at the main event at Milan's San Siro stadium. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were among those in attendance at the iconic soccer stadium for the three-and-a-half-hour show titled "Harmony." Vance, who has been a fierce critic of Europe, smiled as an image of himself waving the American flag appeared on a large screen. The Israeli team's exit drew some boos in Milan. Israel has a 10-man team in Italy.
The group of five athletes from Ukraine in Milan drew huge cheers. International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry said the Games should bring people together. "Let these Games be a celebration of what unites us - of everything that makes us human."
"That's the magic of the Olympic Games: it inspires us all to be the best we can be - together," she added.
For the first time, two Olympic torches, one of the symbols of the Games, were lit simultaneously and will remain lit forever - one at the Arch of Peace in Milan and the other in Piazza Dibona in Cortina.
Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni, two of Italy's most successful alpine skiers, who each won three Olympic gold medals, lit the flame in Milan. Sofia Goggia, one of Italy's main medal hopes at these Games, did so in Cortina.
American pop diva Mariah Carey kicked off the celebration with a unique opening ceremony that combined elements reflecting both city and mountain life.
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