Olympics Said “Let’s Do Something Iconic”—Enter ‘Heated Rivalry’

Written by Isabella I.
Isabella I.

Isabella is a writer for Instinct Magazine who lives and breathes all things pop culture and LGBTQ+. She loves exploring the stories that make the community shine, from the latest celebrity buzz to he...

All Articles by Isabella I.

Published Jan 26, 2026

It finally happened: the Olympics saw the vision — and decided to make it everyone’s problem (in the best way possible).

The Heated Rivalry craze officially hit a new stratosphere when Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie were announced as torch bearers for the Milan Cortina Games, sending fans into an immediate spiral that could be seen from space. Less than a week ago, the Olympics organizing committee casually dropped the news that the two stars would take part in the torch relay, and suddenly the timeline was no longer a safe place.

This wasn’t just a cameo. This was a statement.

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RELATED: SNL Goes Full Fanfic With a ‘Heated Rivalry’–’Harry Potter’ Mashup

Matching Windbreakers, Matching Heart Rates

Williams and Storrie were spotted walking the streets in matching official Olympics windbreakers, holding the torch like they were fully aware they were about to end several group chats. The official Olympics Twitter account posted a video of the two carrying the flame — and then chose violence by captioning it simply:

“Admin is unwell.”

Same, admin. Same.

 

The comment section immediately transformed into a shrine:

  • “GO PAPI GO PAPI”

  • “Can’t believe this is real life you guysssss”

  • “The Olympic Games, you know what you’re doing!”

  • “Someone tell Shane and Ilya about this”

  • “They really said ‘what’s the most iconic thing we could do for the torch relay?’”

Even @heatedrivalrycrave, the show’s official account, jumped in with a perfectly stunned: “Unreal!!”

olympicsSource: @olympics | Instagram

At this point, the Olympics weren’t just acknowledging Heated Rivalry — they were participating in the fandom.

Why This Olympics Moment Actually Matters

Yes, it was hot. Yes, it was meme-worthy. But it was also kind of huge.

One comment summed it up best:

“This honestly means so much to so many people: this level of respect and visibility for such an impactful, inclusive show.”

olympicsSource: @olympics | Instagram

The Olympics have always positioned themselves as a celebration of unity, global culture, and athletic excellence. By spotlighting Heated Rivalry — a queer, emotionally charged sports drama — the Milan Cortina Games sent a loud, very clear message: this story belongs here.

And judging by the response, fans felt that validation deeply.

 

 

Heated Rivalry Isn’t Just Popular — It’s a Phenomenon

Let’s talk numbers, because they’re wild.

The series has officially become Crave’s biggest original show on record, with viewership exploding by nearly 400% in its first seven days. That’s not casual interest — that’s obsession. People aren’t just watching Heated Rivalry; they’re pausing it, rewinding it, screenshotting it, and emotionally unpacking it on every platform imaginable.

This isn’t background TV. This is appointment viewing with consequences.

And now? The Olympics are part of that story.

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What Happens in Season Two? 

If you know Rachel Reid’s Game Changers universe, you already understand what’s coming: yearning, emotional devastation, and choices that hurt in very specific ways.

Connor Storrie has lightly suggested fans start reading The Long Game if they want spoilers, which somehow felt less like a recommendation and more like a warning. Season two is expected to pull heavily from that book, revealing that Shane and Ilya have been secretly together for ten years. Ten. Years.

Shane believes staying closeted is the cost of staying at the top. Ilya is done hiding. It’s not just about hockey anymore — it’s about whether love survives secrecy or demands risk. Honestly? The Olympics torch feels symbolic now.

The Cast Is Everywhere (And We’re Not Complaining)

The Heated Rivalry cast is currently unavoidable — and thank god for that. Williams and Storrie presented at the Golden Globes, François Arnaud met Oprah (casual!), and the rest of the cast is popping up in magazines, interviews, and timelines everywhere.

From hockey rinks to red carpets to the Olympics, this show has crossed into full cultural takeover territory.

And if Milan Cortina was the warm-up? We can’t even imagine what season two is about to do to us.

One thing’s for sure: the Olympics lit the torch — and the internet is still on fire.

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