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‘Heated Rivalry’ Stars Named Olympic Torchbearers for Milano Cortina 2026

The choice highlights the show’s outsized cultural impact, reflecting HBO Max’s role as an Olympic rights holder.

Overview

  • Olympic organizers and HBO Max confirmed Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will carry the flame in the Milano Cortina 2026 torch relay.
  • The relay concludes in Milan on February 6 at San Siro for the opening ceremony, with the actors’ specific segment yet to be announced.
  • Heated Rivalry, adapted by Jacob Tierney from Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novels, debuted in late 2025 and has been renewed for a second season.
  • HBO Max will stream the Winter Games in several European markets and begins airing Heated Rivalry in Italy in February as the show continues its international rollout.
  • Reaction to the torchbearer news ranges from enthusiastic fan support to criticism over celebrity selections, while the series drives real-world effects including surging book sales and athletes citing it as inspiration.