Key Takeaways
- USA TODAY Sports will be covering the 2026 Winter Games in Milan Cortina, Italy, with a video podcast called "Milan Magic" hosted by Brian Boitano and Christine Brennan.
- The podcast will feature exclusive interviews with athletes, behind-the-scenes reporting, and Boitano back on the ice, among other surprises.
- The first episode will include a sit-down with skating superstar Ilia Malinin and will be available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and USA TODAY.
- The podcast will anchor USA TODAY Sports’ Olympics coverage, which will include a team of 28 reporters and photographers on the ground.
- The team will provide insights on the human side of Olympic sports, as well as the impact of technology on the Games.
Introduction to Milan Magic
The 2026 Winter Games in Milan Cortina, Italy, are just around the corner, and USA TODAY Sports is gearing up to provide comprehensive coverage of the event. As part of their coverage, they will be launching a video podcast called "Milan Magic," hosted by Olympic gold medal champion figure skater Brian Boitano and veteran USA TODAY columnist Christine Brennan. The podcast promises to bring a unique perspective to the Games, with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes reporting, and even Boitano lacing up his skates once again.
The Hosts of Milan Magic
Boitano and Brennan are both well-respected figures in the world of sports, particularly when it comes to the Olympics. Boitano, a three-time U.S. Olympian, won gold in men’s singles figure skating at the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary, while Brennan has been covering the Olympics for USA TODAY since 1997. She has written eight books on sports, including the New York Times best-seller "Inside Edge," which focuses on Olympic figure skating. Together, they will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the podcast, providing insightful commentary and interviews with athletes.
The Impact of Technology on the Olympics
During a panel discussion at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, Boitano and Brennan discussed the impact of technology on the Olympics. They were joined by PepsiCo Chief Marketing Officer Mark Kirkham, Olympic gold medalist Masai Russel, and Instrument CEO Laurel Burton. The group talked about the various ways in which technology is changing the Games, from the use of body sensors and instant playback to data-driven broadcasts and coverage. Boitano highlighted the achievements of skating superstar Ilia Malinin, who has set new standards for technical skating by performing all six different jumps in quadruple form.
The Focus of Milan Magic
While technology will certainly play a role in the podcast, Boitano and Brennan emphasized that they will be focusing on the human side of Olympic sports. They believe that technology can only go so far in replicating the excitement and emotion of the Games, and that it’s the stories and experiences of the athletes that truly make the Olympics special. As Brennan joked, "Our podcast, that’s technology, right? Brian and I, together, telling stories and interviewing everyone and sharing the insights that we’ll have for the next two months." By combining their expertise and experience with the latest technology, they aim to provide a unique and engaging perspective on the 2026 Winter Games.
Availability and Partnership
"Milan Magic" will be available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and USA TODAY, making it easy for fans to tune in and follow the action. USA TODAY Co. has partnered with Stagwell Global, a marketing services company, as part of their "Future of News" initiative, which aims to educate advertisers about the enduring value of news and how to best maximize returns in the industry. With a team of 28 reporters and photographers on the ground, USA TODAY Sports is committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the 2026 Winter Games, and "Milan Magic" is just the beginning.