Team Poland has a pierogi plushie that brings cuteness to Winter Olympics originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The athletes from Poland at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina have brought a friend along with them.

There's no greater honor than winning an Olympic medal, but cold hard cash is also on the line. Which country pays the most at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

Competing for your country in the Olympics is arguably the highest honor an athlete can achieve. While participating in professional sports leagues is important, athletes often speak of representing their countries as an elevated experience compared to their everyday jobs.

Day 1 of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina saw competition heat up across several team sports while the first five gold medals of the games were handed out. Canada women's hockey secured a 4-0 win over Switzerland to cap off its long-awaited debut in Milan after its first game was postponed due to a norovirus outbreak among Finland.

The end of the 2026 Olympic torch relay culminated with the lighting of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics cauldrons at the opening ceremony on Feb. 6.