The Winter Olympics in Milan are halfway across the globe, but Central Ohio enthusiasts expect an uptick in interest in their sports this month as people watch the Games.

Why it matters: The Olympics don't just boost the economy of host cities — they can be a crucial window during which niche and seasonal sports find new lifelong participants.

Case in point: Curling seems to be the sport most anchored to the Winter Olympics.

• While people ski, snowboard, ice skate and play hockey in non-Olympic years, curling always experiences a surge of interest when the Games arrive.

What they're saying: "Every four years, we know there's going to be a big peak in interest in curling, which we love," Columbus Curling Club vice president Morag Boyd tells Axios.

• "Every Olympics, we'll have over 1,000 people come through the club in a two-week period."

To keep up with demand, the club replaces all of its regular leagues and member events with large curling classes to teach people the sport.

• Boyd says the club added about 80 new members in 2022.
• After the 2010 Olympics, Boyd herself was one of those new members, and has stuck with it ever since.

Zoom out: It's not just curling that makes room for those inspired by the Olympics.

• Snow Trails in Mansfield sees an uptick in ski and snowboard lessons around the Games, says marketing manager Nate Wolleson.
• The resort, around an hour outside Columbus, schedules competitions and events like Big Air or Party in the Park to capitalize on the momentum.

Yes, but: More straightforward events, like hockey, aren't as in need of the Olympic push.

• Chiller assistant general manager Jeremy Rogers says the chain's ice rinks can't afford to slow down scheduled programming because hockey in Columbus is "really, really strong," and in the middle of tournament season.

Feeling inspired by the Olympics? Here's where you can try your hand at a new winter sport in Central Ohio:

🥌 Curling

The Columbus Curling Club is the only game in town, with dedicated spaces for the Winter Games' most niche sport.

​​🎿 Skiing and snowboarding

Mad River Mountain in Zanesfield is the closest fresh powder for most of Central Ohio.

Snow Trails in Mansfield is slightly smaller than Mad River, with family-friendly spaces and capacity limits to prevent overcrowding.

⛸️ Ice skating and hockey

Chiller's seven large ice rinks host figure skating, hockey, casual skating times and more.

The Ohio State Ice Rink, apart from being the home ice of OSU women's hockey team, hosts open skating sessions.

The Lou & Gib Reese Ice Arena — also known as the Newark Ice Rink — hosts hockey, figure skating, ice dancing and basic skills lessons as well as public skate times and local teams.

Ohio will be well represented at this year's Olympics, with athletes ranging from native Buckeyes to those who made their names here.

Who we're watching in Milan:

Ohio State women's hockey is sending a dozen current and former players to the Games.

• That's no surprise for a team that won national titles in 2022 and 2024.

The Blue Jackets are represented by star defenseman Zach Werenski on Team USA, while goalie Elvis Merzlikins rides his recent hot streak onto the Latvian team.

Gwyneth Philips, goalie on the U.S. women's hockey team, grew up playing youth hockey in Athens before moving to Pittsburgh.

Northeast Ohio produced most of the state's Olympians, including a few high-profile contenders.

• Cleveland Heights native Laila Edwards is the first Black woman on an Olympic U.S. women's hockey team.
• Rocky River snowboarder Red Gerard won a gold medal in 2018.
• Kyra Dossa of Brecksville and Derek Krueger of Chagrin Falls are freestyle skiers.
• East Palestine native J.T. Miller is the New York Rangers' captain and represents Team USA.
• Curler Ben Richardson is from North Royalton.

Cincinnati is sending a pair of freestyle aerial skiing competitors in Connor Curran, who transitioned from trampoline and tumbling to the slopes, and Quinn Dehlinger, who recently won his third World Cup.

Go deeper: How, when and where to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics

⚖️ Ohio State announced settlements with eight more survivors of the Richard Strauss sexual abuse scandal, for a total of 304.

• As of yesterday, there are 222 plaintiffs in three outstanding cases, spokesperson Ben Johnson tells Axios. (OSU)

📚 The new Linden branch of Columbus Metropolitan Library opens today after a week-long weather delay. (Spectrum News 1)

🏫 Dublin middle schoolers are advocating for Revolutionary War hero Thaddeus Kosciuszko to get a commemorative day in Ohio, a hands-on lesson about how bills become law. (Dispatch)

🩰 Columbus dancer Sumi Ichikawa, a BalletMet company member, was named one of Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch" in 2026. (614 Magazine)

Hundreds of Central Ohioans will be "freezin' for a reason" Saturday and they could use your support as they plummet into the icy-cold water below.

🐻‍❄️ Our pick: The Columbus Polar Plunge.

Zoom in: It's part of a series of statewide events serving as Special Olympics Ohio's largest annual fundraiser.

• As of yesterday, local teams had raised about $170,000. Donations are still welcome.

💭 Alissa's thought bubble: I've plunged three times in Sandusky and can attest that a lively, supportive crowd — and fun team costumes — can make the jump a little less terrifying!

Stop by: 10:40am opening ceremony, 11am start. 2015 Recreation Trail, Obetz. Free!

What else is happening:

🍨 Jeni's is celebrating Ice Cream for Breakfast Day with Saturday morning pajama parties and special flavors.

🖼️ It's a Gallery Hop Saturday in the Short North.

• Visit the new Experience Columbus Welcome Center at 625 N. High St. for live music, refreshments and giveaways.

💘 North Market Bridge Park's Valentine's Day Market returns Saturday.

⚽ The Columbus Eagles women's soccer team takes on Cincinnati at home (indoors) Saturday evening.

🍪 The Sweet Treats Dessert Festival will bring over 20 local bakers and treat-makers to Edison Venues on Sunday.

🏀 OSU men's basketball plays Michigan on Sunday.