Azerbaijan’s delegation to the XXV Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo has been paying close attention to the preparation and well-being of its athletes, officials said on Wednesday.

Azerbaijan's delegation has been assigned its position in the parade of nations at the Winter Olympic Games 2026 opening ceremony in Italy, Azernews reports.

It's the first stop for Vance on a trip combining diplomacy and sports. He is leading President Donald Trump's delegation to the 2026 Winter Olympics and later stopping in Armenia and Azerbaijan in a show of support for a peace agreement brokered by the White House last year.

Athletes from more than 90 countries will compete for Winter Olympic medals in 116 events over 16 days, and USA TODAY is keeping a tally of every nation finishing on the podium. Here's a look at the latest medal standings on the morning of Thursday,

Azerbaijan has filed a complaint with the International Olympic Committee over Armenia figure skaters' performance to the song, “Artsakh.”

MILAN (AP) — Vice President JD Vance landed in Milan with his family Thursday, the first stop on a trip combining diplomacy and sports where he is leading President Donald Trump's delegation to the 2026 Winter Olympics and later stopping in Armenia and Azerbaijan in a show of support for a peace agreement brokered by the White House last year.

The 2026 Winter Olympics were under way in Milan, Italy, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance looking on. Team USA is expected to come out into San Siro soon.

The bid to win a medal is more elusive for some than others.