Scandals and Controversies Plague 2026 Winter Olympics

From genital doping to hacking allegations, the Milan Cortina Games have been mired in controversy.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics have been plagued by a series of scandals and controversies, including allegations of genital doping, sexual assault allegations against a figure skater's boyfriend, accusations of Russian hacking, and a robbery targeting the Israeli bobsled team. High-profile incidents have also included a devastating crash for U.S. skier Lindsey Vonn and boos directed at U.S. Vice President JD Vance during the opening ceremony.

Why it matters

These controversies have overshadowed the athletic achievements at the Winter Games, raising questions about the integrity of the competition and the ability of the International Olympic Committee to maintain a safe and fair environment for athletes. The scandals also highlight the broader issues of doping, abuse, and political tensions that have long plagued the Olympic movement.

The details

The controversies began with the so-called "Crotchgate" scandal, in which German media reported that some athletes were injecting an acid serum into their genitals to artificially inflate the crotch area and gain an aerodynamic advantage. The World Anti-Doping Agency said it would investigate any doping-related claims. Further controversy erupted around the French ice dancing team, with Laurence Fournier Beaudry defending her boyfriend, Nikolaj Sørensen, who was accused of sexual assault, and her partner, Guillaume Cizeron, facing criticism for his response to a book by his former skating partner Gabriella Papadakis. Russian hackers were also accused of targeting websites and hotels connected to the Olympics, according to the Italian government. And the Israeli bobsled team had their training apartment robbed, with thousands of dollars' worth of equipment and passports stolen.

  • The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are currently underway.
  • The "Crotchgate" scandal emerged at the start of the Games.
  • The sexual assault allegations against Nikolaj Sørensen date back to 2012.
  • The alleged Russian hacking attempts were reported by the Italian government during the Olympics.
  • The robbery of the Israeli bobsled team's training apartment occurred as teams were preparing for the Games.

The players

Olivier Niggli

Director of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Laurence Fournier Beaudry

French figure skater who is defending her boyfriend, Nikolaj Sørensen, against sexual assault allegations.

Guillaume Cizeron

French ice dancer and 2022 Olympic champion who has faced criticism for his response to a book by his former skating partner, Gabriella Papadakis.

Gabriella Papadakis

French figure skater who wrote a book criticizing her former skating partner, Guillaume Cizeron, as controlling and critical.

Lindsey Vonn

41-year-old American professional skier who suffered a serious injury in a crash during the Olympic downhill event.

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What they’re saying

“We don't address other means of enhancing performance.”

— Olivier Niggli, Director, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) (Sky News)

“This was extremely difficult because it was not only about skating, it was about my integrity. It was about his integrity. I know my boyfriend 100 percent. I know him.”

— Laurence Fournier Beaudry, French figure skater (Netflix documentary "Glitter and Gold: Ice Dancing")

“The comments by the French team in the press and on a Netflix documentary create a dangerous environment for skaters who need to report abuse.”

— Unnamed woman, Accuser of Nikolaj Sørensen (The Canadian Press)

“We prevented a series of cyberattacks against foreign ministry sites, starting with Washington and also involving some Winter Olympics sites, including hotels in Cortina.”

— Antonio Tajani, Italian Foreign Minister (Reuters)

“Such a gross violation—suitcases, shoes, equipment, passports stolen, and the boys headed right back to training today. I really believe this team exemplifies the Israeli Spirit.”

— A.J. Edelman, Bobsled team driver, Israel (Social media posts)

What’s next

The judge in the case of the sexual assault allegations against Nikolaj Sørensen is expected to decide on Tuesday whether to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

The controversies and scandals that have plagued the 2026 Winter Olympics highlight the persistent issues of doping, abuse, and political tensions that continue to undermine the integrity and reputation of the Olympic movement. These incidents underscore the need for stronger oversight, accountability, and a culture shift to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of athletes above all else.