Paul Christian Ocampo

‘Heated Rivalry’ stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie serve as torchbearers for 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p><em>Heated Rivalry</em> stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie took part in a historic moment after being selected as torchbearers on the road to the Olympic Torch Relay of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. </p><p>The official Olympics Instagram page shared photos and videos of the on-screen partners carrying the Olympic flame, marking the symbolic beginning of the highly anticipated games. The two actors were seen running while wearing tracksuits, smiling and waving to the crowd. They also ran and stood side by side as they held the conjoined flames overhead.  </p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DT8iNVjkjrH/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A16334379.099999994%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="747" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-8" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>“Get in loser. We are going to @milanocortina2026. 😏☀️🏒🔥,” the Olympics wrote in its post, referencing the duo’s popular series and sparking excitement among fans. </p><p>In a separate post, Hudson was seen smiling as he held the torch, clearly taking in the moment. </p><p>“This is crazy!” he said. </p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-9" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DT8fW3OCofE/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A9%2C%22os%22%3A16334386.299999997%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="882" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-9" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Milano Cortina 2026 also shared highlights from the torch bearing ceremony, celebrating the actors’ participation. “🏑🔥 Olympic Flame + @hudsonwilliamsofficial &amp; @connorstorrieofficial as torchbearers = ABSOLUTE CINEMA 🎬,” the organizers wrote. </p><p>Fans of <em>Heated Rivalry</em> quickly filled the comment sections with messages of pride and support for the two stars. </p><p>“You can’t imagine how proud I am of both of you, well done guys! I’m having tears of happiness!!,” one fan wrote. </p><p>“Our rays of sunshine in our country with the flames. What a day!!!,” another added. </p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-10" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DT8MqpCiDRN/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A10%2C%22os%22%3A16334392.899999991%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="927" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-10" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>The Winter Olympics is a major international multi-sport event held every four years. This year’s games will take place in Milan from February 6 to 22, with ski mountaineering making its Olympic debut. </p><p>The Opening Ceremony will be held at the Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium and is set to feature performances by Mariah Carey and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, with additional appearances by actress Sabrina Impacciatore<em> </em>and renowned pianist Lang Lang. </p><p>Hudson and Connor rose to fame as the lead stars of the hit series <em>Heated Rivalry</em>, which is streaming in the Philippines on HBO Max. Based on Rachel Reid’s book series, the show follows the intense rivalry-turned-romance between Major League Hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. </p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-11" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSxkV3tFF6Q/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A11%2C%22os%22%3A16335237.299999997%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="882" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-11" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>The series quickly became the No. 1 show on HBO Max after its release. Originally developed for Canadian streaming platform Crave, it later secured a distribution deal with HBO and has since been renewed for a second season. </p><p>Following the show’s success, Hudson and Connor have made guest appearances on various television programs and podcasts. Earlier this month, Hudson became viral after guesting on the renowned talk show <em>The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon</em> where he taught TV Host Jimmy a Shane Hollander-inspired hockey stretch. </p><p>Earlier this month, the duo also marked another milestone as they made their Golden Globe debut as presenters for the Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role - Television award.  </p>

<p>'Heated Rivalry' stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie mark a major milestone as they were chosen as torchbearers ahead of the Olympic torch relay for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, drawing cheers from fans as they carried the Olympic flame together. </p>

'Heated Rivalry' stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie mark a major milestone as they were chosen as torchbearers ahead of the Olympic torch relay for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, drawing cheers from fans as they carried the Olympic flame together.