It’s the crossover event of the year: TV’s biggest drama meets one of the world’s biggest sporting stage.

In a move that bridges the gap between streaming sensation and sporting tradition, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie—stars of the global hit series Heated Rivalry—have been officially named as torchbearers for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Torch Relay.

The announcement, made Thursday by Olympic organizers and HBO Max, confirmed that the duo will carry the flame on February 6, the final day of the relay, as it makes its way toward the San Siro Stadium for the Opening Ceremony.

A Heated Love Story for the Moms, Daughters, and Trainers...

The casting of Williams and Storrie carries a poetic weight for fans. In the series, based on the best-selling novels by Rachel Reid, Williams portrays Shane Hollander, a clean-cut Canadian hockey prodigy, while Storrie plays Ilya Rozanov, his brooding Russian rival.

The show’s plot famously features the characters competing in the Winter Olympics—a storyline that has fueled a massive "Hollanov" fandom online.

The breakout series first aired on November 28, 2025 and released its finale on December 26. Showrunners have confirmed a Season 2 in the works continuing the anticipated love story of the Hollanov boys.

Williams and Storrie recently debuted at the annual Golden Globes Awards as category presenters.

Filipino Pride at Winter Olympics

Adding real-life sporting excitement to the mix, 17-year-old Tallulah Proulx is set to make history as the first Filipina and youngest Filipino ever to qualify for the Winter Olympics.

Competing from February 6 to February 22, Proulx will be joined by Filipino-Italian skier Francis Ceccarelli representing the Philippines in both the winter sporting events.