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Stars of “Heated Rivalry” Selected as Olympic Torchbearers for Milan Cortina Games
The actors from HBO Max’s breakout series “Heated Rivalry” will add Olympic glory to their résumés this winter. Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, who star in the popular hockey romance drama, have been selected as torchbearers for the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, organizers announced Thursday.
The duo will carry the Olympic flame as part of the ceremonial relay leading up to the Opening Ceremony on February 6. Their selection highlights the growing cultural impact of the show, which has gained international attention since its debut.
“Heated Rivalry” follows the complex relationship between a Canadian and Russian hockey player who maintain a secret relationship spanning a decade. The series, adapted from the popular “Game Changers” book series, tackles themes of competitive sports, international rivalry, and LGBTQ+ relationships in professional athletics.
What began as a production for Canadian streaming service Crave quickly developed into an international phenomenon after securing distribution through HBO Max. The show rocketed to become the platform’s number one series, demonstrating the global appetite for diverse storytelling in sports dramas. The success prompted an early renewal for a second season, with production reportedly already underway.
Italian viewers will soon join the international audience when the show debuts in the host country next month, just weeks before the Olympic Games begin. The timing of the Italian release appears strategically aligned with the Winter Olympics, potentially boosting interest in both the Games and the series.
The selection of Williams and Storrie as torchbearers reflects a broader trend of Olympic organizers embracing popular culture figures alongside traditional athletic representatives. By including entertainment celebrities in Olympic traditions, the Milan Cortina organizing committee appears to be courting younger audiences and leveraging social media attention.
Sports media analysts note that the show’s success demonstrates how fictional sports narratives can cultivate new fan bases for traditionally underrepresented sports like hockey. “What ‘Ted Lasso’ did for soccer in certain markets, ‘Heated Rivalry’ is potentially doing for ice hockey,” said sports entertainment analyst Margot Valenti in a recent industry assessment. “These crossover moments between entertainment and actual sporting events can drive meaningful engagement.”
The Olympic torch relay, a tradition dating back to the 1936 Berlin Olympics, symbolizes the connection between the ancient and modern Games. The flame is lit in Olympia, Greece, before traveling to the host country, where it is carried by a succession of torchbearers to the Opening Ceremony cauldron.
For the Milan Cortina Games, the relay will showcase various regions of Italy before culminating at the ceremony, which will take place in two cities simultaneously—an Olympic first. The dual-venue approach reflects the distributed nature of these Winter Games, with events split between Milan, Cortina, and other northern Italian locations.
The 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled from February 6-22, will be Italy’s fourth time hosting the Olympic Games and its third Winter Olympics, following Cortina d’Ampezzo in 1956 and Turin in 2006.
The inclusion of Williams and Storrie in the Olympic tradition represents a notable crossover between sports and entertainment, potentially introducing new viewers to the Olympic movement while cementing the cultural relevance of “Heated Rivalry” in the process.
Italian Olympic Committee officials indicated that the complete list of torchbearers would be revealed in the coming weeks, with expectations that it will include a mix of Olympic legends, entertainment figures, and community heroes representing the host nation.
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16 Comments
I’m excited to see the ‘Heated Rivalry’ stars participate in the Olympic torch relay! Their characters have resonated with so many, and this is a great way to spotlight the show’s cultural impact. Kudos to the organizers for recognizing the value of popular media in driving interest in the Games.
Well said. The Olympics are as much about cultural exchange as athletic competition, and having recognizable figures like the ‘Heated Rivalry’ actors involved can help expand the event’s reach and appeal.
I’m a bit skeptical about the ‘Heated Rivalry’ stars being chosen as Olympic torchbearers. While the show is popular, I’m not sure their celebrity status alone warrants such an honor. There are likely other athletes and public figures more deserving of this privilege.
That’s a fair point. The Olympic torch relay is a prestigious tradition, and the selection process should focus on individuals who have made significant contributions to sports and their communities.
Congratulations to Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie on being selected as Olympic torchbearers! Their roles in ‘Heated Rivalry’ have resonated with so many, and this is a wonderful opportunity for them to be part of the Winter Games.
Agreed, this is a great honor for the ‘Heated Rivalry’ stars. Their portrayals of complex, relatable characters have clearly struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
Exciting news! The ‘Heated Rivalry’ stars are such talented actors, it’s fitting they get to be part of the Winter Olympics torch relay. This show has really resonated with audiences around the world.
Absolutely, the cultural impact of ‘Heated Rivalry’ is undeniable. Carrying the Olympic flame will be an incredible honor for Hudson and Connor.
The decision to have the ‘Heated Rivalry’ stars as Olympic torchbearers is an interesting one. While their performances have been acclaimed, I’m not sure their celebrity status alone qualifies them for this particular honor. It would be good to know more about their personal involvement in sports and the Olympic ideal.
Agreed, the torch relay selections should consider more than just entertainment value. It would be helpful to understand the actors’ connections to athletics and the Olympic spirit beyond their acting roles.
I’m really curious to see how the ‘Heated Rivalry’ stars handle this new spotlight as Olympic torchbearers. Their characters’ complex relationship has struck a chord, and this is a great opportunity to further showcase their acting skills.
Agreed, this is a fantastic chance for the ‘Heated Rivalry’ actors to shine on an even bigger stage. It will be interesting to see how they approach this new role.
While I’m a fan of ‘Heated Rivalry,’ I’m not convinced the show’s actors are the best choices for Olympic torchbearers. Shouldn’t this honor go to athletes, coaches, or other individuals who have made substantial contributions to their respective sports?
That’s a valid perspective. The torch relay is a symbolic tradition, and the selections should arguably prioritize those with deep ties to the Olympic movement and competitive sports.
The selection of the ‘Heated Rivalry’ leads as Olympic torchbearers is a smart move by the organizers. The show has built such a devoted global fanbase, this will only help drive more interest and excitement for the Winter Games.
Definitely, ‘Heated Rivalry’ has tapped into something special, and having its stars participate in the torch relay is a great way to leverage that popularity.