Stars of the series Heated Rivalry, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, have been selected as official torchbearers for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The announcement highlights their rising fame from the show's U.S. premiere. They will participate in the Olympic Torch Relay concluding in Milan on February 6.
Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, known for their roles in the Crave Original series Heated Rivalry, have been chosen as official torchbearers for the Olympic Torch Relay ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The relay will end on February 6 in Milan, prior to the opening ceremony, though specific details on when and where Williams and Storrie will carry the torch remain undisclosed.
HBO Max, which holds rights to the steamy romance series in the U.S., Australia, Asia, Latin America, and Europe, announced the news. Sphere Abacus manages global distribution for the show, which follows two hockey players from rival teams navigating their mutual attraction. The Olympics will stream on HBO Max in Europe, including Italy and Germany, marking the streamer's expansion there. In the U.S., coverage airs on NBC and streams on Peacock.
The selection comes amid surging popularity for Heated Rivalry since its U.S. premiere at the end of November. The series has propelled Williams and Storrie to global recognition, leading to appearances presenting at the Golden Globes, late-night TV spots, and a sell-out of Rachel Reid's book series on which it is based. HBO Max has renewed the show for a second season.
Reacting to the renewal, Storrie expressed hopes that the next season will remain faithful to the source material. "These are obviously really well-constructed stories that a lot of people are really into," he told Variety. "The only way to make this make sense is to stick to the books and also honor the fandom of the people who are really spearheading this whole thing."
