Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony on February 6, delivering a heartfelt pre-recorded message to athletes as the Games officially got underway.
The 36-year-old global superstar appeared in a video aired during NBC’s broadcast, wearing a Ralph Lauren Team U.S.A. Polo Bear top as she spoke directly to Olympians from around the world, expressing gratitude for their dedication and sacrifices.
“Hi, it’s Taylor. I just wanted to send a message to all the athletes that are competing in the Olympics. I just wanted to say thank you,” she said.
The global icon added, “Getting to learn your stories and see everything that you’ve sacrificed and all your determination and hard work and passion and everything that’s gotten you to this point where you’re so excellent at something, it’s just really inspiring.”
Milan Cortina was on Taylor Swift’s mind and she has a message for all #WinterOlympics athletes!
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 6, 2026
The music video for Taylor Swift’s hit Opalite dropped TODAY! pic.twitter.com/rlKg6r2K4b
Swift went on to reflect on the athletes’ journeys and the privilege of witnessing their accomplishments, thanking them for allowing fans around the world to share in the experience.
“I am very grateful for everything you’ve done to get to this point in your life and grateful that you’ve brought us all along with you on this journey so we get to watch you do this.”
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She wrapped up her message with warm wishes for the competition ahead. “I just hope that you have a wonderful Olympic Games. Wishing you all the best of luck and a safe journey, and I hope that this is an experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life.”
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics officially opened on February 6 and will run through February 22, showcasing a wide range of winter sports across multiple venues throughout northern Italy.
Taylor Swift Drops “Opalite” Music Video In Sync With Milano Cortina Olympics Appearance
Apart from this, Taylor Swift’s Olympic message arrived the same day she released the music video for her song Opalite, part of her twelfth studio album Life of a Showgirl.
The visual begins as a satirical advertisement for an Opalite spray promising instant happiness before evolving into a narrative centered on unconventional relationships and cameo appearances from performers and actors, including Cillian Murphy, Domhnall Gleeson, Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Lewis Capaldi.
Swift previously said the concept originated while she was promoting the album on The Graham Norton Show in October 2025 and described collaborating with the featured guests as a joyful creative experience.
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The dual rollout of the video and Olympic message positioned Taylor Swift among the prominent cultural figures associated with the opening of the 2026 Winter Games as global competition commenced.
