As the 2026 Winter Olympics begin in Italy, Snoop Dogg has already made a memorable entrance. Known for turning every appearance into an adventure, the rapper and media personality wasted no time diving into the Olympic atmosphere. One of his first highlights was hopping onto a Zamboni at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, enjoying the ride while soaking in the excitement around the rink.
But beyond the fun moments, Snoop is in Italy with an important role. Serving as a special correspondent for NBCUniversal’s primetime Olympic coverage, he’s offering viewers his signature personality and fresh perspective while connecting with athletes from around the world.
Meeting the “Quad God”
Among the standout stars Snoop caught up with was American figure skating sensation Ilia Malinin. At just 21 years old, Malinin has already established himself as one of the sport’s biggest talents. A two-time world champion, he is widely celebrated for landing the fully rotated quadruple Axel — one of the most difficult and technically demanding jumps in figure skating history. The achievement has earned him the nickname “Quad God” among fans.
Before Malinin hit the ice, Snoop shared words of encouragement, praising the young athlete’s dedication and potential. He called him a legend in the making and reminded him that countless young fans are inspired by his journey toward Olympic gold.
Mutual Admiration on the Ice
The admiration went both ways. Malinin admitted he was starstruck meeting the music icon, joking that he was nearly speechless. The lighthearted moment continued as the two compared jewelry, and Snoop surprised the skater by showing off a shirt featuring Malinin’s face.
Once the warmup began, Snoop shifted into commentator mode, cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines. His energetic reactions and playful commentary added a fun layer to the session as Malinin effortlessly executed impressive elements on the ice.
When and Where to Watch the Games
Fans will have about two weeks to enjoy performances from Malinin and other elite athletes competing for their countries. The 2026 Winter Olympics officially kick off this weekend, with the opening ceremony scheduled for 8 p.m. local time. Viewers can catch the action on NBC or stream events on Peacock.
The Games will run through February 22, promising days of world-class competition, unforgettable moments, and plenty of personality — especially with Snoop Dogg helping bring the experience to life.
