Milano Cortina 2026: the Olympic Flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony revealed

The bearers carrying the Olympic Flag during the Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games were announced today. Ten internationally renowned personalities, selected by the International Olympic Committee and Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026: athletes, as well as individuals whose personal and professional journeys embody the principles of peace, unity and solidarity that inspire the Olympic Movement.

Five interlaced Olympic Rings, representing the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games, on a white background: the Olympic Flag is a timeless emblem that continues to speak to the present, reminding us of sport’s power as a tool for dialogue and progress for humanity.

Each edition of the Olympic Games aspires to leave a legacy that goes beyond sporting competition. The Olympic Flagbearers selected for Milano Cortina 2026 represent this vision through life stories marked by civic engagement, resilience, inclusion and global responsibility, capable of inspiring audiences around the world.

In keeping with the spirit of the widespread Olympic Winter Games, the Olympic Flag will parade in two symbolic locations of the Games where the Opening Ceremony will take place: at Milan’s San Siro Olympic Stadium, accompanied by eight flag bearers, and in Cortina, with two flag bearers.

Who will be the Olympic Flag bearers in Milano

Tadatoshi Akiba (Japan) served as Mayor of Hiroshima from 1999 to 2011. Throughout his political career, he distinguished himself for his global commitment to nuclear disarmament. He has been an active member of the Mayors for Peace, an international organisation dedicated to the promotion of peace.

Rebeca Andrade (Brazil) is the most decorated Olympian in Brazilian history. After overcoming multiple severe injuries that repeatedly forced her to consider retirement, she became a powerful symbol of perseverance and resilience. She is a three-time Olympian (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024), Olympic Champion at Tokyo 2020 (Vault) and Paris 2024 (Floor), and winner of the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award in 2025. She actively supports causes including women’s rights, sustainability and education. She was an ambassador for the IOC and UN Women’s One Win Leads to Another Brazil programme in Brazil.

Maryam Bukar Hassan (Nigeria) was appointed UN Global Peace Advocate in July 2025. An internationally acclaimed artist and poet, she is deeply committed to promoting gender equality, youth empowerment and the building of a more inclusive and lasting peace.

Nicolò Govoni (Italy) is a writer and activist nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for his commitment to protecting refugee children. He is CEO and President of Still I Rise, a humanitarian organisation dedicated to tackling the global education crisis.

Filippo Grandi (Italy) served as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2016 until 2025. With decades of humanitarian experience across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, he led the UNHCR’s global efforts to protect people forced to flee conflict and persecution. He serves as Vice Chair of the Olympic Refuge Foundation and was awarded the Olympic Laurel at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 which honours outstanding individuals for their achievements in education, culture, development and peace through sport.

Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) is one of the greatest long-distance runners of all time. A five-time Olympian (Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024), he is a two-time Olympic marathon champion (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020). He pushed the boundaries of human potential by completing a special challenge to run a marathon distance in under two hours (1:59:40) in Vienna in 2019, becoming a global symbol of excellence, discipline and perseverance. He is also a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Sport, Integrity and Values.

Cindy Ngamba is an athlete of the Refugee Olympic Team. She was forced to flee to the United Kingdom at the age of 11 and initially pursued football before discovering boxing as her true passion. At the Olympic Games Paris 2024, she made history as the first athlete from the Refugee Olympic Team to win an Olympic medal (bronze).

Pita Taufatofua (Tonga) is a trailblazing athlete and humanitarian. He is the first Tongan athlete to represent his country at both the Summer Olympic Games (Taekwondo at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020) and the Winter Olympic Games (Cross-Country Skiing at PyeongChang 2018). Beyond his Olympic appearances, he is widely recognised for his humanitarian efforts in disaster relief, youth empowerment, education and climate resilience across the Pacific. This body of work has been recognised with his appointment as UNICEF Pacific Ambassador, advocating for children’s rights, education, and health.

Who will be the Olympic Flag bearers in Cortina

Franco Nones, born in the Val di Fiemme, is the first Italian Olympic champion in the history of cross-country skiing. He won the gold medal in the 30 km at the 1968 Grenoble Olympic Winter Games, breaking the long-standing dominance of Scandinavian athletes in the discipline. In addition to his Olympic gold, he also claimed a bronze medal at the 1966 World Championships in Oslo and won a total of 16 national titles.

Martina Valcepina competes for the Fiamme Oro sports group and is a member of the Italian national short track speed skating team. She has won three Olympic medals between 2014 and 3 2018: two silver medals and one bronze, all achieved in relay events. At European level, she has won nine medals, including three gold medals between 2011 and 2018.

The Opening Ceremony

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