Lewis Hamilton on F1 future: 'I'm not going anywhere'

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton feels "reset and refreshed" entering the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Field Level Media

"I'm not going anywhere, so stick with me," the 41-year-old British driver posted Saturday on Instagram.

Hamilton is coming off a disappointing debut season with Ferrari, failing to reach a single podium in 2025.

The 105-time race winner sounded upbeat as testing concluded this week at Bahrain.

"That's a wrap on testing," he posted. "It's inspiring to watch a team pull out all the stops to build a car.

"It's the most fascinating part of this job for me. Everything is built from scratch and designed and redesigned over and over. And then there are only a few of us who get to put that machine to the test. That feeling never gets old.

"I want to say a huge thank you to everyone in the team back at the factory for the hard work to get to this point!! I am truly grateful.

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"I love this job so much and I love working with my team and driving for the fans. I'm incredibly lucky to be able to do what I do, and I'm excited for the season ahead."

Hamilton's 20th F1 campaign begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 7.

He concluded his post with a promise to his supporters that this season will be different.

"For a moment, I forgot who I was, but thanks to you and your support you're not going to see that mindset again," he wrote.

"I know what needs to be done. This is going to be one hell of a season. I've given everything to be here today. Let's go team!!!"

Hamilton's last victory was the Belgian Grand Prix on July 28, 2024. His last world championship came in 2020.

--Field Level Media

Lewis Hamilton on F1 future: 'I'm not going anywhere'

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton feels "reset and refreshed" entering the 2026 Formula 1 season. ...
Bill Mazeroski, Pirates Hall of Famer and 1960 World Series hero, dies at 89

Hall of Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski died at the age of 89, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Saturday. He passed away on Friday, according to the team.

Yahoo Sports

Mazeroski is best known for arguably the most legendary home run in baseball history, hitting a walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series against the New York Yankees. Leading off the ninth inning, the homer came off reliever Ralph Terry, breaking a 9-9 tie, at Forbes Field.

As Mazeroski rounded the bases, fans ran out of the stands to congratulate Mazeroski and round the bases with him in celebration. He was 24 years old at the time, in his fifth year with Pittsburgh. No other player has ended a World Series with a Game 7 home run.

Responsible for an iconic moment in the sport, Mazeroski was remarkably modest about his accomplishment.

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"I just thought it was another home run to win a ballgame and would never last 40 years," he said in 2000,via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

"I didn't expect that much attention, just hitting a home run to win a game," he continued. "I don't know. I just kind of wish maybe somebody else had hit it, or explained it better than I did. I just never came up with a good way."

Mazeroski later explained that he wasn't certain that he hit a home run because the left-field wall at Forbes Field was 406 feet away from home plate in the alley.

"I don't know it's out. I don't know it's a home run. But I know I'm going to end up on third if he misplays that ball off the wall," Mazeroski said in 2015,via MLB.com. "So I'm busting my tail getting around there, and by the time I hit second base, I looked down the line and the fans went crazy. From second base, I didn't touch the ground all the way in."

Mazeroski won two World Series titles with the Pirates, also playing on the 1971 champions that defeated the Baltimore Orioles in seven games. The team retired his No. 9 in 1987 and honored him with a 14-foot bronze statue outside PNC Park,unveiled in 2010.

"Maz was one of a kind — a true Pirates legend, a National Baseball Hall of Famer and one of the finest defensive second basemen the game has ever seen," said Pirates chairman Bob Nuttingin a statement.

"His name will always be tied to the biggest home run in baseball history and the 1960 World Series championship," he added. "But I will remember him most for the person he was: humble, gracious and proud to be a Pirate."

Despite being associated with one of baseball's most famous home runs, Mazeroski became a Hall of Famerbecause of his defenseat second base. He was awarded eight Gold Gloves during his career.

"I think defense belongs in the Hall of Fame," Mazeroski said duringhis Hall of Fame induction speech. "Defense deserves as much credit as pitching and hitting, and I'm proud and honored to be going into the Hall of Fame on the defensive side and mostly for my defensive abilities."

In his 17 seasons with the Pirates, Mazeroski compiled a career average of .260/.299/.367 with 294 doubles, 138 home runs and 853 RBI. In addition to his two World Series championships, Mazeroski was an 10-time All-Star. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001, elected by the Veterans Committee.

Bill Mazeroski, Pirates Hall of Famer and 1960 World Series hero, dies at 89

Hall of Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski died at the age of 89, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Saturday. He passe...
Injured Canada captain Sidney Crosby's status uncertain for the Olympic gold medal game

MILAN (AP) — Canada has not decided whether injured captain Sidney Crosby will play inthe gold medal gameat the Olympicsagainst the U.S.on Sunday, coach Jon Cooper said Saturday.

Associated Press Canada's Connor McDavid wears the team captain's letter C on his jersey in place of the injured Sidney Crosby during the second period of a men's ice hockey semifinal game against Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Canada's Sidney Crosby (87) is led away from the ice after being injured during the second period of a men's ice hockey quarterfinal game between Canada and Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Canada's Sidney Crosby (87) is attended to after being injured during the second period of a men's ice hockey quarterfinal game between Canada and Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Milan Cortina Olympics Ice Hockey

Crosby skated in practice, which was closed to reporters to maintain ashroud of secrecyaround the status of the 38-year-old center who is the most decorated player on the team with two Olympic gold medals and three Stanley Cup rings and was a key contributor before getting hurt.

"Obviously we'd love to have him," Cooper said. "He won't put himself in harm's way, and he's not going to put the team in harm's way."

Crosby leftthe quarterfinal game Wednesday night against Czechia with an apparent right knee injury and did not playagainst Finlandon Friday night in the semifinals.Connor McDavid wore the "C"in Crosby's absence and assisted on Nathan MacKinnon's go-ahead goal with 35.2 seconds remaining.

International rules allow teams to dress 13 forwards instead of the 12 permitted in the NHL, but Cooper cast doubt on the possibility of Crosby being in uniform just to fill a limited role.

"No. No, it's too important," Cooper said. "We don't want to have somebody in there as an inspiration when we could have a player that could be capable of helping. You never know if guys are going to get hurt in the game. He wouldn't want to do that, either."

Cooper pointed to two of his players with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli, who were chosen for the roster but stayed home because they were not healthy enough to be a bigger help than their replacements. Injured defenseman Josh Morrissey has been ruled out.

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"When it comes to the flag, nobody's getting in the way," Cooper said. "If they're not capable of giving what they think is optimal effort, they don't want to put the country at harm. They understand what we have here."

Canada rallied from a two-goal deficit to beat Finland, motivated in part by giving Crosby a chance to play one more game at what could be his final Olympics.

"We've done that, and we'll see," McDavid said. "He's been around a lot. Obviously, he's been extremely positive: still contributing, even though he didn't play last game, but still being the leader he is."

Nick Suzuki, who moved into the spot playing between Mitch Marner and Mark Stone, figures to be there again in the final if Crosby is unavailable. Suzuki said Crosby "looked really good out there on the ice" and hopes the well-respected captain will be good enough to go.

"It'd mean a lot to him and probably us," Suzuki said. "He's such a big leader, big voice. Everyone looks up to him. It'd be awesome if he could play."

AP Winter Olympics:https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

Injured Canada captain Sidney Crosby's status uncertain for the Olympic gold medal game

MILAN (AP) — Canada has not decided whether injured captain Sidney Crosby will play inthe gold medal gameat the Olympics...
'Euphoria' creator Sam Levinson donates $27,000 to Eric Dane's GoFundMe

Eric Dane's friends have started aGoFundMe pageto support the actor's family after his death.

USA TODAY

The "Grey's Anatomy" actor died on Feb. 19 at age 53 after a public battle withamyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS), commonly known asLou Gehrig's disease.

"Euphoria' creatorSam Levinsonand his wife, Ashley Levinson, donated $27,000 to the page.

Levinson, who cast Dane as the troubled father, Cal Jaccobs, in the Emmy-winning HBO drama series, said he was "heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric."

"Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift," Levinson said ina statement shared with USA TODAY. "Eric's family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing."

Sam Levinson and Eric Dane attend the premiere afterparty of HBO's Euphoria during the ATX Television Festival at the Paramount Theatre on May 6, 2019, in Austin, Texas.

Funds raised will go toward supporting Dane's wife, 54-year-old actress and modelRebecca Gayheart, andtheir daughtersBillie, 15, and Georgia, 14, according to the page's description.

"As his illness progressed far more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Eric's friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs," the description reads. "Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric's wonderful daughters."

<p style=Actor Eric Dane has died following a battle with ALS. He was 53. He leaves behind two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, and wife Rebecca Gayheart. Look back at the family through the years when they joined together in the public eye.

Actress Rebecca Gayheart and actor Eric Dane attend the Chrysalis 3rd annual Butterfly Ball at a private residence on April 17, 2004, in Beverly Hills, California.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Rebecca Gayheart and husband Eric Dane attend the afterparty for the opening night of "Steel Magnolias" on Broadway on April 4, 2005, in New York City. The pair married in 2004.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart arrive at the premiere of A&E original film "Wedding Wars" at the ArcLight Theater Dec. 4, 2006, in Los Angeles.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart watch the show at the 6th annual General Motors TEN event at Paramount Studios on Feb. 20, 2007, in Los Angeles.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane arrive at the premiere of New Line Cinema's "Valentine's Day" held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Feb. 8, 2010, in Hollywood, California.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Rebecca Gayheart, Eric Dane, Billie Beatrice Dane, Georgia Dane and guests attend the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Built To Amaze! show on March 21, 2013, in New York City.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Georgia Dane, Rebecca Gayheart, Eric Dane and Billie Beatrice Dane attend Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival at Madison Square Garden on March 23, 2013, in New York City.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Rebecca Gayheart, Eric Dane and their daughters attend the Huggies Snug & Dry and Baby2Baby Mother's Day Garden Party held on April 27, 2013, in Los Angeles.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=From left: Eric Dane, Rebecca Gayheart, Georgia Dane and Billie Beatrice Dane attend the 14th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 6, 2015, in Los Angeles.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Rebecca Gayheart, Eric Dane and their family attend Amazon Video's Tumble Leaf Family Fun Day hosted by Au Fudge on Sept. 13, 2015, in Los Angeles.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=From left: Billie Beatrice Dane, Rebecca Gayheart, Georgia Dane and Eric Dane attend the 15th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball at a private residence on June 11, 2016, in Brentwood, California.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=From left: Rebecca Gayheart, Eric Dane, Billie Beatrice Dane and Georgia Dane attend the 16th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 3, 2017, in Brentwood, California.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=From left: Eric White, Patricia Arquette, Rosetta Getty, June Getty, Balthazar Getty, Violet Getty, Eric Dane, Billie Beatrice Dane, Rebecca Gayheart and Georgia Dane at the 16th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 3, 2017, in Los Angeles.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Eric Dane and his daughters Billie Beatrice Dane and Georgia Dane attend the Los Angeles premiere of "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California, on May 30, 2024.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Eric Dane's family journey in photos

Actor Eric Dane has died following a battle with ALS. He was 53. He leaves behind two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, and wife Rebecca Gayheart. Look back at the family through the years when they joined together in the public eye.Actress Rebecca Gayheart and actorEric Daneattend the Chrysalis 3rd annual Butterfly Ball at a private residence on April 17, 2004, in Beverly Hills, California.

Eric Dane highlighted ALS in DC and Hollywood

The GoFundMe page encourages the public to support his family after "The Last Ship" actor spent his last year bringing as much attention to ALS, the rare degenerative disease that can kill nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord,according to the National Institutes of Health.

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"Following his diagnosis, Eric became a passionate spokesperson for the ALS community, using his voice and platform to advocate for fellow patients and to push for greater awareness. Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease," the page reads.

Dane worked with the I Am ALS organization to be open about his battle. In September, he traveled to Washington DC meeting with Rep.Eric Swalwell, D-California, to discussthe condition.

"I want to ring every bell," he said. "I have two daughters at home. I want to see them graduate college, get married, maybe even have grandkids. You know I want to be there for all that so I'm going to fight until the last breath on this one."

He also returned to acting, playinga firefighter diagnosed with ALSon NBC's "Brilliant Minds."

At an I Am ALS-hosted panel in December, he said it was "imperative that I share my journey with as many people as I can because I don't feel like my life is about me anymore."

"I'm fairly limited in what I can do physically as an actor, but I still have my brain, and I still have my speech, so I'm willing to just do about anything. I'll take on any role," he said. "I'm grateful that I can still work in any capacity."

The GoFundMe page has raised more than $170,000 as of Saturday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Eric Dane GoFundMe supports his kid; 'Euphoria' creator donates $27,000

'Euphoria' creator Sam Levinson donates $27,000 to Eric Dane's GoFundMe

Eric Dane's friends have started aGoFundMe pageto support the actor's family after his death. The ...
Why Was Russia Stripped of Its 2022 Figure Skating Gold Medal? Everything to Know About the Controversy

Catherine Ivill/Getty

People Gold medalists Team ROC on day three of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games on February 07, 2022 in Beijing, China. Catherine Ivill/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • Russia, who competed under the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), took home a gold medal for the team figure skating event at the 2022 Winter Olympics

  • The win was debated because one of their team members, Kamila Valieva, had tested positive for a banned substance

  • In 2024, Russia was demoted to bronze, while Team USA placed first and Japan second

The Russian figure skating team, who competed under the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), lost its gold medal following a doping scandal at the2022 Winter Olympics.

Russia initially won the figure skating teamgold medal during the Beijing games with key team membersKamila Valieva, Anna Shcherbakova, Anastasia Mishina and Aleksandr Galliamov, among others.

However, during the games, it was revealed that Valieva, who was 15 years old at the time, tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine. The Court of Arbitration for Sport allowed her to continue competing because of her status as a "protected person" (a.k.a. a minor) but decided there would be no medal ceremony. Although Russia technically went on to win gold, the CAS eventually ruled thatRussia would be demoted to bronze, while the U.S. received gold and Japan silver.

In addition to her team facing consequences, Valieva was placed on a four-year ban that began in December 2021. Although she was technically eligible for the2026 Winter Olympics, Valieva didn't compete because she couldn't participate in the necessary events leading up to the games.

Here's everything to know about why the Russian figure skating team was stripped of its gold medal after the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Who won the gold medal for Russia?

Gold medalists Team ROC on day three of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games on February 07, 2022 in Beijing, China. Catherine Ivill/Getty

Catherine Ivill/Getty

Heading into the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, the figure skating teams from Russia, the U.S., Canada and Japan were all favored to be in contention for the podium. The team event, which took place in early February, consisted of men's and women's singles, pair skating and ice dancing.

The team representing the ROC included Mark Kondratiuk, Andrey Mozalev and Mikhail Kolyada competing in the men's singles and Valieva, Shcherbakova and Alexandra Trusova facing off in women's singles.

Meanwhile, the skating pairs consisted of Mishina and Galliamov, Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov and Alexandra Boikova and Dmitrii Kozlovskii. Finally, the ice dancing teams were Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalapov, Alexandra Stepanova and Ivan Bukin and Diana Davis and Gleb Smolkin.

After all the events took place, the ROC originally earned the highest cumulative score with a total of 74 points and took home gold. Team USA got second place and a silver medal with 65 points, while Team Japan had 63 points.

Valieva, in particular, helped the team get gold after shebecame the first woman to land a quadruple jumpat the Olympics.

Why was Russia stripped of its gold medal?

Gold medal winner Kamila Valieva of Russia after the ISU European Figure Skating Championships on January 15, 2022 in Tallinn, Estonia. Jurij Kodrun - International Skating Union/International Skating Union via Getty

Jurij Kodrun - International Skating Union/International Skating Union via Getty

Before the ROC figure skating team received its gold medals, it was revealed thatValieva had previously tested positive for a banned substance. She tested positive for trimetazidine, a drug used to treat chest pain that couldpotentially improve her performance.

At the time, Valieva's team alleged that thedrug belonged to her grandfather, and it either accidentally got mixed up in her regulated supplements or it contaminated her food.

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The ordeal caused a massive media frenzy, and it took the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and CAS nearly two years to come to a decision.

In January 2024, Valieva and her performance were disqualified from the 2022 Olympics. As a result of the decision, the ROC was demoted to bronze. The team later attempted to appeal that ruling, but the appeal was dismissed by the CAS in July 2024.

The International Skating Union (ISU) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WDA) also imposed the individual punishment of a four-year ban for Valieva that began in December 2021.

In addition to her gold medal being taken away, she was also disqualified from the 2022 European Figure Skating Championships where she originally took home first place. Valieva was also ordered to pay nearly $20,000 in fines to both organizations, perESPN.

Valieva's four-year ban came to an end in December 2025, but she could not qualify for the 2026 Olympic team because of the timeframe. Shereturned to the ice at the Russian Jumping Championshipson Feb. 1, 2026, and placed sixth.

Who got the gold medal in Russia's place?

Silver medalists of Team United States on day three of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games on February 07, 2022 in Beijing, China. Jean Catuffe/Getty

Jean Catuffe/Getty

Upon Valieva's Olympic disqualification, the ROC was downgraded to a bronze medal. The U.S. was subsequently bumped up to gold, while Japan moved to silver.

The American and Japanese teams were eventually awarded their medals at a ceremony during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Although the controversy seemed to be resolved, Canada — who originally placed fourth — appealed the 2024 ruling. The Canadian Olympic Committee alleged that the ISU was supposed to move up original competitors in individual events where someone was disqualified, so Canada should have been awarded the bronze over the ROC.

The CAS dismissed the Canadian appeal in August 2024 and finalized the placements as Team USA, Japan and Russia, perAP.

Was Russia allowed to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics?

Gold medal winner Kamila Valieva of Russia, silver medal winner Anna Scherbakova of Russia and bronze medal winner Alexandra Trusova of Russia during victory ceremony at the ISU European Figure Skating Championships on January 15, 2022 in Tallinn, Estonia. Jurij Kodrun - International Skating Union/International Skating Union via Getty

Jurij Kodrun - International Skating Union/International Skating Union via Getty

Individual Russian athletes are competing as part of the Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) in the2026 Winter Olympics. Athletes from Belarus are also part of the AIN, totaling around 20 competitors.

FollowingRussia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the IOCsuspended the ROCfor violating the Olympic Charter. Any medals won by any of the AIN team members do not count toward either country.

When it comes to figure skating, three-time Russian national champion Adeliia Petrosian competed in the women's event. Petrosian's coach isEteri Tutberidze, who worked with Valieva but denied any involvement in the doping scandal. In addition, Petr Gumennik skated in the men's event.

Read the original article onPeople

Why Was Russia Stripped of Its 2022 Figure Skating Gold Medal? Everything to Know About the Controversy

Catherine Ivill/Getty NEED TO KNOW Russia, who competed under the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), took hom...
Premier League to take breaks during Ramadan for fasting players

The Premier League and English Football League have confirmed they will continue to allow a break in play for Muslim players to break their fasts during Ramadan.

USA TODAY Sports

The initiative, which was first introduced in 2021, allows Muslim players to come to the sideline and take in fluids or food during a natural pause in play, such as a goal kick or throw-in.

Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims, runs from February 17 to March 19 this year. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset.

In the UK, sunset during Ramadan will range from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., putting it in the middle of several games throughout the holy month.

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This weekend will see West Ham and Bournemouth kick off at 5:30 p.m. UK time on Saturday, with Arsenal and Tottenham meeting Sunday in the north London derby at 4:30 p.m. UK time.

League officials have been reaching out to clubs in an effort to identify players who will be fasting.

Per the BBC, there were 253 Muslim players in the first teams and academies of the top four tiers of English soccer as of 2023.

The list of Muslim players currently in the Premier League includes Chelsea's Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo, Tottenham's Djed Spence, Arsenal's William Saliba, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Manchester United's Amad Diallo.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Premier League to use Ramadan breaks for fasting players

Premier League to take breaks during Ramadan for fasting players

The Premier League and English Football League have confirmed they will continue to allow a break in play for Muslim pla...
Next Winter Olympics organizers in French Alps deal with turmoil before handover from Milan Cortina

MILAN (AP) — We've got this. Really, we do.

Associated Press FILE - Head of 2030 Olympic Winter Games, Edgar Grospiron, delivers a speech during a press conference to launch the organizing committee for the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Feb. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani, File) FILE - IOC president Thomas Bach, right, shakes hands to French President Emmanuel Macron after Bach announced that the French Alps was named as the 2030 Winter Games host at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

Milan Cortina Olympics France 2030 Crisis

Organizers of the2030 French Alps Olympicsworked Saturday to put a positive sheen on their project that already was on the tightest of hosting schedules before beingrocked by inner turmoil.

"We're confident in our capacity to deliver these games in 2030 with a high degree of excellence," said Edgar Grospiron, the former Olympic champion freestyle skier who leads the organizing committee.

The French Alps is officially next up on Sunday evening after a formal handover of the Olympic flag to its sports and public officials at the Milan Cortina Winter Games closing ceremony, being staged in Verona.

Hours earlier, the French organizing committee holds a board meeting amid tension between Grospiron and his director general, Cyril Linette, who is set to be the latest executive exit from a teamlaunched just one year ago.

Grospiron acknowledged the "turbulence" Saturday at the traditional Olympic news conference for the next games host.

"For these games to be successful we do need stability, serenity, continuity and the organizing committee needs this," he said. "We want to show the whole world, but also particularly the French, and I am sure that they will really see the worth of what we've done."

The French Alps Winter Games — withspeed skating destined to go abroad, at Turin, Italy, or Heerenveen in the Netherlands, where venues already exist — has always been on the tightest timeline of any modern Olympics.

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Sweden denied again

The outline of a bid came together only in 2023. At the time, the International Olympic Committee was intalks with Swedish officialswho had revived the Stockholm proposal that lost a hosting vote in 2019 against the Italian bid for these Winter Games that close Sunday.

Riding enthusiasm of preparations for the 2024 Paris Summer Games, from local Olympic officials and President Emmanuel Macron — whose term in office expires next year — the IOC and its then-leader Thomas Bach pivoted to France again. It left abitter taste in Sweden.

IOC members confirmed the French Alps win in Paris at their eve-of-games meeting, giving the project just 5½ years to prepare.

"We know, obviously, that there is little time," Grospiron said. "Not just the time but the budget is tight. But we know we can do it."

Spread-out Winter Games

Likethe Milan Cortina Olympics, the French Alps has a split between snow sports in storied mountain resorts and skating in a snow-free city, the French Riviera resort Nice.

The final plan of venues, now including Alpine ski resort Val d'Isere, will be confirmed in June when the IOC decides the list of sports and events.

Until then, a top official from the hugely successful Paris Olympics, Étienne Thobois, is helping stabilize the French Alps team. The expertise gained at Paris shapes to be key for the next Winter Games.

"That also gives us the chance to go quickly," Grospiron said, "and have this rhythm that is ours and be ready on time."

___ AP Winter Olympics:https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

Next Winter Olympics organizers in French Alps deal with turmoil before handover from Milan Cortina

MILAN (AP) — We've got this. Really, we do. Milan Cortina Olympics France 2030 Crisis Organizers of th...

 

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