Settle In with PBS News Your guide to the Winter Olympics
Feb 3, 2026
Christine Brennan, a veteran sports journalist who has covered 22 Olympics, shares on-the-ground perspective and packing tips for winter coverage. She discusses the Milan–Cortina split venues, Russia’s competing status, and politics at the Games. Conversations highlight Mikaela Shiffrin’s comeback, U.S. figure skating depth, Ilya Malinin’s technical dominance, NHL players returning, and new events like ski mountaineering.
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Politics Inevitably Touch The Games
- Politics and global tensions often surface at the Olympics, but crowds usually avoid directing anger at athletes during opening ceremonies.
- Italy's free society allows protests and questions to athletes, so political issues will likely appear in press conferences.
Mikaela Shiffrin's High-Stakes Comeback
- Mikaela Shiffrin's 2022 collapse made her a figure of resilience and mental-health advocacy rather than retreat.
- At 30 she remains a favorite in slalom and giant slalom and a compelling comeback story to watch.
U.S. Figure Skating Peaks Again
- Christine Brennan considers this potentially the strongest U.S. figure skating team ever, across men, women, pairs and ice dance.
- With Ilya Malinin as a heavy men's favorite and strong contenders in other events, the U.S. could win multiple figure skating golds.