The Winter Olympics officially kick off on February 6, 2026, in Milano Cortina, Italy! As a winter sports lover—formerly a competitive figure skater—and a wannabe polyglot, this Olympic season I’m choosing to experience the Games not by medal count, but by the languages I speak or am actively learning: English, Swedish, Spanish, and French. Join me!
As one of the largest delegations at the Winter Olympics, Team USA competes across nearly every winter sport. For those of us in the DMV area, there’s also local interest in athletes with regional ties. One such athlete is Ilia Malinin, a Northern Virginia–raised figure skater who will represent the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Ice dancer Caroline Green — Maryland-raised — is another familiar name in U.S. skating circles as we head into the Games.
El inglés funciona como uno de los principales idiomas compartidos de los Juegos Olímpicos, desde la cobertura mediática hasta la comunicación internacional. Seguir los Juegos a través del inglés nos recuerda que el idioma cumple un papel que va más allá de la competencia. Es la forma en que las personas se saludan, se presentan y se conectan más allá de las fronteras. Incluso habilidades conversacionales sencillas —como saber cómo iniciar una conversación— pueden hacer que los eventos globales se sientan más cercanos y atractivos. Como hija de un inmigrante venezolano y una refugiada cubana, nací en los Estados Unidos —¡así que sí, vamos Team USA!
Here is where to watch! Peacock
Here is where to learn! https://tr.ee/EnglishOnline
Sweden, Finland, and Norway naturally draw my attention because of language. I speak Swedish, which immediately connects me to Sweden—and, in interesting ways, to Norway as well. While Norwegian is not the same as Swedish, there’s a unique overlap that allows speakers of both languages to communicate. It’s also genuinely fun to notice the differences in vocabulary and pronunciation across the two.
Some might wonder why Finland is included here. What many people don’t realize is that there are populations in Finland who speak Swedish as a primary language, making Swedish an important point of connection across all three countries.
Even across neighboring countries, language creates subtle connections—recognizing familiar words, sounds, and expressions. Following teams through language reinforces the idea that communication doesn’t require perfection; it requires recognition and effort. Language becomes another way to feel connected to the Games unfolding on screen.
Here is where you can cheer on Sweden! TV4Play
Here is where you can learn! https://tr.ee/AllLanguages
Spanish-speaking teams from Latin America — including Venezuela, Chile, and Bolivia — may not have the largest presence at the Winter Olympics, but they remain meaningful to follow. These are countries I connect with through language, family, and shared ways of communicating.
Spanish is a language spoken across many regions and communities, and hearing it during the Olympics reflects how people bring their full identities with them onto the ice and snow. Following these teams through language highlights how even a small number of athletes can carry the voices, expressions, and everyday ways of speaking that represent many communities.
Here is where you can cheer! ClaroSports
Here is where you can learn! https://tr.ee/LearnSpanish
French is another Olympic language—and one I’m currently learning. I’ll be starting my Beginner Level II French group classes on January 26, which makes following French-speaking teams during this Olympic season feel especially relevant.
French shows up at the Olympics through many different speakers and contexts. Athletes from France, other parts of Europe, N. America, and parts of Africa bring their own accents, cultures, and ways of speaking to the Games. Following French-speaking teams while learning the language, I hope, will reinforce how my language studies are impacted by real-world exposure!
Even at a basic level, noticing familiar words or greetings helps the learning process feel grounded, practical, and connected to the moment. This mirrors how language learning works in real life. People don’t begin by speaking fluently; they begin by learning how to greet someone, introduce themselves, and communicate with care. Those small moments are often where deeper connection starts.
Here is where you can cheer in French! HBO Max
Here is where you can learn! https://tr.ee/HSoPRR
Language, like sport, is a unifier—and participation starts with the fundamentals so that everyone can play. Don’t be a spectator, join the game!
Follow the fun with me on Instagram: Cafe_Con_Charlas
By Orietta Estrada for International Center for Language Studies