Italy’s Winter Olympics Success Masks a Global Trend of Host Nation Advantage and Strategic Investment

As Italy revels in its historic haul of 22 medals at the ongoing Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, surpassing its previous record set back in 1994, the achievement is more than just national pride—it exemplifies a well-known phenomenon where host countries gain disproportionate advantage through strategic investment and political will. Last Sunday marked a spectacular surge for Italy. In less than an hour, the nation collected two golds, a silver, and a bronze—dramatic proof that extensive government-backed preparation pays dividends on the world stage. Cross-country skiing bronze kicked off the day, followed by golds from Federica Brignone in giant slalom and...