Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie carry Olympic flame at Milano Cortina 2026
Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, stars of the popular television series Heated Rivalry, participated as torchbearers for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday, 25 January.
The actors carried the Olympic flame during the 49th leg of the relay in the town of Feltre, engaging with onlookers and celebrating one of the most iconic pre-Games traditions.
Williams and Storrie, who portray rival ice hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov on the show, waved and smiled to spectators along the route, bringing a touch of Hollywood to the sporting event. Their participation underscored the intersection of entertainment and international athletics, attracting attention from both Olympic fans and series followers.
Hudson Williams passing the Winter Olympics flame to Connor Storrie at today’s torch relay (via youknownana) pic.twitter.com/NlsByIrVaW
— Hudson Williams Updates (@hudsonwupdates) January 25, 2026
Heated Rivalry, created by award-winning Canadian writer, director, and producer Jacob Tierney, has garnered international popularity for its depiction of two elite hockey players balancing competition with a complex personal relationship. The series also stars François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Sophie Nélisse, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova.
In Italy, Heated Rivalry will be available on HBO Max starting February, coinciding with the Winter Olympics coverage. HBO Max is one of the official Olympic Rights Media Holders, offering live and on-demand streaming of Milano Cortina 2026 events, including the Opening Ceremony on 6 February.
The torch relay itself symbolizes unity, perseverance, and the global spirit of sport, making Williams and Storrie’s participation a memorable highlight of the event. Their presence reflects the growing connection between pop culture and international sports, capturing attention across social media and bringing fans closer to both the series and the Winter Olympics.