Chronological summary of the 2006 Winter Olympics

This article contains a chronological summary of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. Highlights Opening ceremony – February 10 Opening ceremony Stefania Belmondo lit the Olympic flame. Actresses Susan Sarandon and Sophia Loren (along with some other famous women) carried a flag into the stadium while Laura Bush and Cherie Blair watched from special seats in the audience. Luciano Pavarotti, in his final performance, sang Nessun Dorma. Day 1 – February 11 Biathlon Michael Greis of Germany wins the first gold medal of the 2006 Winter Olympics, with a victory in the individual 20 km race. Figure skating Russian pair Tatiana Totmianina and Maxim Marinin lead after the short program. Freestyle skiing Jennifer Heil becomes the first Canadian woman to win a medal in moguls. Norwegian Kari Traa wins the silver and Sandra Laoura of France wins the bronze. Ice hockey The Canadian women's hockey team sets an Olympic record for the most lopsided win, beating their Italian hosts 16–0. Nordic combined German Georg Hettich picks up the gold medal in Nordic combined. Speed skating American Chad Hedrick wins the 5000 m long-track event.