NBCUniversal owns the U.S. media rights to the Olympic Games through 2036, which are scheduled for Milan Cortina (2026), Los Angeles (2028), French Alps (2030), Brisbane (2032), Utah (2034), and the 2036 Summer Games. Click here for more information on how to watch the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are bringing thousands of athletes from around the world together for more than two weeks of competition — and the Games are a gold mine for statistics.

This gallery showcases top photos from Day 1 of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics taken by Associated Press photographers. AP Winter Olympics:

Friday's ceremony marks the start of the 25th Winter Games

Last night, Omega hosted an Opening Gala for the new space, welcoming its ambassador George Clooney, who has been with the Swiss watchmaker since 2007, and his wife Amal, alongside fellow ambassador Park Bo-gum, Allyson Felix, and Marisa Tomei.

On Feb. 8, 2002, the opening ceremonies at Rice-Eccles Stadium was just the beginning of 16 days of competition, drama, entertainment.

U.S. freeskier and former Connecticut resident Mac Forehand qualified for the men's slopestyle final with a sixth-place effort Saturday morning at Livigno Snow Park at the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy.

Here's a look back at the history of the Winter Olympics, including when the first games were held and where they've been hosted.