At a Glance
- Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams will carry the Olympic torch to Milan in 2026.
- They are returning to the Olympic spotlight after starring in HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry.
- The torch relay will weave through 13 Italian cities before the opening ceremony on Feb. 6.
- Why it matters: Their participation highlights the crossover between pop culture and global sporting events.
The duo’s Olympic return is set to ignite excitement for both fans of the Heated Rivalry and the broader 2026 Winter Games audience.
Olympic Torch Relay Details
The torch relay, a tradition that began in Greece, will travel from the historic site of the first Games to the host city of Milan. HBO Max announced on Jan. 22 that Storrie and Williams will serve as torchbearers.
- The relay is currently in Trieste, Italy.
- It will visit 13 additional cities before the opening ceremony.
- Specific dates and locations for Storrie and Williams have not yet been disclosed.
| City | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trieste | – | Current location |
| – | – | 13 more stops planned |
| Milan | Feb. 6 | Opening ceremony |
The 2026 Winter Games will take place from Feb. 6 to Feb. 22 in Italy.
Show Success and Cultural Impact
Heated Rivalry premiered on HBO Max on Nov. 28 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The series, adapted from Rachel Reid’s Game Changers book series and created by Jacob Tierney, follows Canadian hockey superstar Shane Hollander and Russian phenom Ilya Rozanov.
The show’s first season wrapped up on Dec. 26, and Crave announced that Tierney would begin work on a second season following the breakout success in the U.S. on HBO Max.
- Storrie (25) and Williams (24) portray the two hockey players.
- Their on-screen chemistry turned them into heartthrobs.
- The drama’s LGBTQ+ storyline resonated with a wide audience.
Recent Public Appearances
The actors have been busy since the series release, engaging in media tours, late-night appearances, fashion week, and award show debuts.
- On Jan. 11, they reunited at the 83rd annual Golden Globes to present the award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role – Television.
- Less than a week later, Williams walked the runway at the DSquared2 show during Men’s Fashion Week in Milan on Jan. 16, showcasing a high-fashion look.
These appearances demonstrate the pair’s growing influence beyond the screen.
Future Plans and Legacy
With the torch relay and the 2026 Winter Games approaching, Storrie and Williams’ roles as torchbearers will elevate their profiles further. Their participation underscores the increasing intersection of entertainment and international sporting events.
- They will represent their characters, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, in a real-world Olympic context.
- The partnership may inspire future collaborations between streaming platforms and the Olympic movement.
- Fans can look forward to their performances at the opening ceremony in Milan.
Key Takeaways
- Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams will carry the Olympic torch to Milan in 2026.
- Their involvement follows the success of Heated Rivalry, a sports romance drama that gained a large following.
- The torch relay will travel through 13 Italian cities, culminating in Milan on Feb. 6.
- Their recent public appearances highlight their rising star power.
- Their Olympic participation may signal new opportunities for entertainment-sport collaborations.
