The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are rapidly approaching, and the excitement is building across the globe. Adding to the anticipation, international pop sensation Dua Lipa has stepped into the role of ultimate cheerleader for Team USA's most prominent female athletes. In a newly released promotional featurette from NBC Sports, the three-time Grammy Award winner brings her signature charisma and star power to spotlight the remarkable women who will represent the United States on the world's biggest winter sports stage.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Milan's iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the video captures Dua Lipa strolling through the historic 19th-century glass-covered arcade as her 2024 hit single "Training Season" provides the perfect soundtrack. This architectural masterpiece, with its ornate iron and glass dome, serves as more than just a stunning visual setting—it symbolizes the intersection of Italian elegance and the approaching Olympic spectacle. "Milan — such a cool place, and when the Winter Olympics arrive, it'll get even cooler when these incredible women take the world stage," the London-born artist remarks, her words echoing through the elegant shopping gallery.
The featurette specifically highlights four extraordinary athletes, each a powerhouse in her respective discipline. Dua Lipa's personal descriptions add a layer of personality and admiration that transcends typical sports commentary. She begins with alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, whom she characterizes as "fearless"—a fitting descriptor for a woman who has conquered the world's most dangerous slopes throughout her storied career. Vonn's journey is particularly compelling, as the 41-year-old champion has made the extraordinary decision to return from retirement for one final shot at Olympic glory.
The pop star's praise continues for figure skater Alysa Liu, deemed "graceful"—a quality essential to the artistry and technical precision of figure skating. Liu represents the new generation of American skaters, bringing youthful energy and innovative techniques to the ice. Next comes Mikaela Shiffrin, the alpine skiing phenom described as "historic"—a testament to her already legendary status in the sport despite her relatively young age. Shiffrin's record-breaking achievements have already cemented her place among the greatest skiers of all time.
Finally, Dua Lipa saves perhaps her most creative descriptor for snowboarder Chloe Kim, calling her "levitating"—a clever nod to her own 2020 chart-topping single of the same name. This playful connection bridges the worlds of music and sports, suggesting that Kim's aerial mastery on the halfpipe appears almost supernatural, as if defying gravity itself. "They'll put on quite a show," Dua Lipa predicts confidently. "The Winter Olympics? It's gonna be so cool."
The featurette arrives at a pivotal moment for women's sports, where visibility and support from high-profile celebrities can significantly impact audience engagement and sponsorship opportunities. Dua Lipa's involvement brings the 2026 Winter Olympics to the attention of her massive global fanbase, many of whom might not typically follow winter sports. This crossover appeal is crucial for growing the Olympic movement and ensuring these athletes receive the recognition they deserve.
Lindsey Vonn's Remarkable Comeback Story
While all four athletes deserve attention, Lindsey Vonn's narrative stands out as particularly extraordinary. Having officially retired from competitive skiing in 2019, many believed her Olympic chapter had closed. However, the 41-year-old has defied conventional wisdom about age and athletic performance, mounting a comeback that will make her the oldest female Alpine skier to ever compete in the Olympic Games. This achievement alone breaks barriers and challenges preconceived notions about the limitations of veteran athletes.
Vonn's motivation extends beyond personal ambition. In a January 2026 interview with People magazine, she articulated a powerful message about age and capability. "I want to show people that it's not a disadvantage to be old," Vonn stated emphatically. "I love challenging people's perspectives, and this is an amazing opportunity to do that. Also, my age is an advantage here. I've had a lot of experience as a veteran athlete. I've skied these tracks four times more than anyone else. Plus, I like breaking records."
Her confidence is rooted in decades of experience. Vonn's intimate knowledge of Olympic courses, gained through years of World Cup competition, provides her with insights that younger competitors simply cannot match. She has navigated the treacherous turns and demanding conditions of these slopes countless times, building muscle memory and mental maps that give her a unique edge. This wealth of experience transforms what some might see as a physical disadvantage into a strategic superiority.
Vonn's Olympic pedigree is already impressive. She captured a gold medal in women's downhill skiing at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games, a moment that solidified her status as America's skiing queen. Additionally, she has two Olympic bronze medals to her name, making her one of the most decorated American alpine skiers in history. A successful performance in Milan would not only add to her medal collection but would also cap off an already illustrious career with a triumphant final chapter.
The physical demands of returning to elite competition after a multi-year hiatus cannot be overstated. Alpine skiing requires explosive power, razor-sharp reflexes, and the courage to hurtle down mountains at speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour. For Vonn to reach competitive form at 41 speaks volumes about her dedication, training regimen, and natural athleticism. Her journey serves as an inspiration to athletes everywhere, proving that passion and perseverance can overcome the constraints of time.
The Power of Celebrity Advocacy in Sports
Dua Lipa's featurette represents more than just a promotional video—it exemplifies the growing trend of celebrity advocacy in women's sports. When global superstars lend their platforms to athletes, they amplify stories that might otherwise remain within niche sports communities. This amplification is crucial for generating mainstream interest, securing sponsorship deals, and inspiring the next generation of young athletes.
The strategic choice of Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II as the filming location adds another layer of sophistication to the piece. As one of the world's oldest shopping malls and a landmark of Italian architecture, it connects the upcoming Olympics to the host country's cultural heritage. The glass ceiling, allowing natural light to flood the space, creates a metaphorical connection to the transparency and visibility these athletes are finally receiving.
The timing of the release, using Dua Lipa's own "Training Season" track, is equally deliberate. The song's themes of preparation, dedication, and self-improvement mirror the athletes' journeys to the Olympics. This synchronization of music and message creates a cohesive narrative that resonates with audiences on multiple levels.
Looking Ahead to Milan Cortina 2026
As February approaches, the anticipation for the 2026 Winter Olympics continues to build. The Milan Cortina Games promise to be a spectacular showcase of athletic excellence, set against the stunning backdrop of the Italian Alps. With Dua Lipa's endorsement bringing additional star power to the event, Team USA's female athletes are positioned to capture the world's attention.
The four women highlighted in the featurette represent different facets of American winter sports excellence. From Vonn's veteran resilience to Liu's graceful artistry, Shiffrin's historic dominance, and Kim's gravity-defying aerials, each brings a unique story and skill set to the Games. Their collective presence underscores the depth of talent in American women's winter sports and the progress made in achieving gender parity on the Olympic stage.
For fans eager to witness these athletes in action, the NBC featurette serves as the perfect appetizer. It humanizes these superstars, showing them through the eyes of a fellow performer who understands dedication, practice, and the pressure of performing on global stages. Dua Lipa's genuine admiration shines through, making the upcoming competitions feel more personal and emotionally engaging.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will undoubtedly provide countless memorable moments, but the stories of these four women—and the recognition they've received from one of music's biggest names—will resonate long after the final medals are awarded. As Dua Lipa so succinctly put it, "It's gonna be so cool"—and based on the talent and determination of these athletes, that might be the understatement of the year.