Swiss athletes enjoy Winter Olympics opening ceremony

The 25th Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, are underway with Nino Niederreiter and Fanny Smith leading out the 175 Swiss athletes at the opening ceremony on Friday evening. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Milan's San Siro stadium was transformed into a stage for Harmony and Magic – the motto of the show directed by Marco Balich. For the first time in the history of the Winter Games, the opening ceremony was staged at more than one venue – also in the stadium in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Two Olympic flames are now burning for the first time in the two main host cities. + Could Switzerland host a sustainable Winter Games? The highlight for Switzerland was the Parade of Nations at both venues. In Milan, ice hockey star Nino Niederreiter led the Swiss delegation onto the pitch. At the same time, ski cross star Fanny Smith had the honour of carrying the Swiss flag at in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Despite the geographical separation of some 400 ...