Actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, celebrated for their roles in the acclaimed series "Heated Rivalry," recently participated in the Olympic torch relay in Feltre, Italy. This significant event, held in anticipation of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, underscores the growing prominence of the duo, who have captivated audiences with their on-screen chemistry and off-screen charisma. Their involvement served not only as a pre-Olympic spectacle but also as a vibrant highlight of their expanding public engagements and continued promotion of their popular series.
Celebrity Torchbearers Ignite Olympic Spirit in Italy
On January 25, 2026, in the picturesque town of Feltre, Italy, the stars of "Heated Rivalry," Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, were prominent figures in the Olympic torch relay. This highly anticipated appearance followed an announcement from HBO Max, the series' European broadcaster, which teased their participation in the relay for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Clad in the official Olympic attire of white, pink, and yellow, both actors had their moment with the torch. Williams symbolically passed the Olympic flame to Storrie, a gesture that was met with enthusiastic cheers. Videos shared by the official Olympics account captured Williams exuberantly encouraging Storrie with "Go papi, go papi" as he lit his co-star's torch, alongside another clip where Williams expressed his awe, remarking, "This is crazy."
Beyond their Olympic involvement, both Williams and Storrie have been making significant strides in their careers. Williams recently graced the runway at Milan Fashion Week, making his debut for Dsquared2. Storrie has also been active, appearing on popular talk shows such as "Late Night With Seth Meyers" and "Today" in the same week. The pair also made waves at the Golden Globes, where they presented an award, showcasing their rising star power and broad appeal.
"Heated Rivalry," a Canadian production from Crave and streamed on HBO Max in the U.S., is based on Rachel Reid's "Game Changers" book series. It tells the compelling story of two professional hockey rivals, Shane Hollander (portrayed by Williams), a Canadian player for the fictional Montreal Metros, and Ilya Rozanov (played by Storrie), a Russian player for the fictional Boston Raiders, as their long-standing "situationship" evolves into a deep relationship. The series has been renewed for a second season, and Rachel Reid is set to release her seventh book in the "Game Changers" series, "Unrivaled," continuing Shane and Ilya's narrative. Notably, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently endorsed the series, encouraging residents to read Reid's books during a snowstorm, with free downloads available through the city library.
The participation of Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie in the Olympic torch relay highlights the increasing crossover between popular culture and major global events. It demonstrates how public figures, especially those from hit entertainment series, can amplify the reach and appeal of traditional institutions like the Olympics. Their celebrity status brings a fresh, contemporary energy to the ancient tradition, drawing in new audiences and fostering a sense of shared excitement. This event serves as a reminder of the power of media and entertainment to unite diverse communities and generate widespread enthusiasm for both athletic endeavors and captivating storytelling.