The Olympic Opening Ceremony is more than a celebration of sport — it is a powerful global statement of unity, peace, resilience, and shared human values. At the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, this symbolism will reach new heights when the Olympic Flag enters the iconic San Siro Stadium on Friday, 6 February 2026.
The individuals entrusted with carrying the Olympic Flag are not chosen lightly. They are selected for lives that reflect the deepest values of the Olympic Movement: excellence, respect, solidarity, inclusion, and hope. For Milano Cortina 2026, ten extraordinary personalities from across the world will take on this honour — athletes, humanitarians, activists, and changemakers whose stories resonate far beyond sport.
Their presence will transform the Opening Ceremony into a moment of inspiration for millions watching worldwide.
The Meaning of the Olympic Flag Bearers
Carrying the Olympic Flag is one of the most prestigious ceremonial roles at any Olympic Games. It represents the handover of Olympic ideals from one generation to the next and reinforces the Games’ mission to promote peace and understanding across borders.
For Milano Cortina 2026, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 selected individuals whose lives embody perseverance, courage, humanitarian service, and global responsibility — values that feel especially meaningful in today’s world.
Olympic Flag Bearers in Milan
The following eight individuals will accompany the Olympic Flag during the Milan segment of the Opening Ceremony at San Siro.
Tadatoshi Akiba (Japan): A Voice for Peace
Tadatoshi Akiba served as Mayor of Hiroshima from 1999 to 2011, dedicating his public life to the global cause of peace. A survivor city representative, Akiba became internationally recognised for his leadership in nuclear disarmament and dialogue.
As a leading figure in Mayors for Peace, he consistently advocated for a world free from nuclear weapons. His role as an Olympic Flag bearer symbolises the Olympics’ enduring commitment to peace, remembrance, and humanity.
Rebeca Andrade (Brazil): The Power of Resilience
Rebeca Andrade is the most decorated Olympian in Brazilian history, but her journey was anything but easy. After enduring multiple serious injuries that threatened her career, Andrade returned stronger each time, becoming a symbol of determination and mental strength.
A three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic champion, she captured hearts worldwide with her performances in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Beyond sport, she champions women’s rights, sustainability, and education, making her a natural ambassador of Olympic values.
Maryam Bukar Hassan (Nigeria): Art, Youth, and Peace
An internationally acclaimed artist and poet, Maryam Bukar Hassan was appointed UN Global Peace Advocate in 2025. Through creativity and advocacy, she works to empower young people, promote gender equality, and support long-term peacebuilding.
Her selection reflects the Olympics’ belief that culture and creativity are powerful forces for social change.
Nicolò Govoni (Italy): Education as a Human Right
Italian writer and humanitarian Nicolò Govoni has devoted his life to protecting refugee children through education. As the founder and president of Still I Rise, he provides free, high-quality schooling to children in the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, Govoni represents Italy’s commitment to compassion, inclusion, and future generations.
Filippo Grandi (Italy): Defending Human Dignity
From 2016 to 2025, Filippo Grandi served as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, leading global efforts to protect people displaced by conflict and persecution.
With decades of humanitarian experience, Grandi embodies leadership rooted in empathy. His work earned him the Olympic Laurel at Paris 2024, recognising contributions to peace through sport and society.
Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya): Redefining Human Limits
Widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner of all time, Eliud Kipchoge is a two-time Olympic champion and a symbol of discipline and humility.
In 2019, he achieved the unthinkable by completing a marathon in under two hours, inspiring millions worldwide. As a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Kipchoge promotes integrity, values, and lifelong excellence — ideals deeply aligned with the Olympic spirit.
Cindy Ngamba: The Refugee Dream Realised
Cindy Ngamba’s journey from displacement to Olympic podium defines the power of sport to change lives. Forced to flee her home as a child, she later discovered boxing and represented the Refugee Olympic Team.
At Paris 2024, she became the first Refugee Olympic Team athlete to win an Olympic medal, capturing bronze and rewriting Olympic history. Her presence is a testament to hope, opportunity, and resilience.
Pita Taufatofua (Tonga): Bridging Summer and Winter Games
Pita Taufatofua made history as the first Tongan athlete to compete in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Beyond his athletic achievements, he is widely respected for his humanitarian work across the Pacific.
As a UNICEF Pacific Ambassador, he advocates for education, climate resilience, and children’s rights — values that resonate strongly with the Olympic mission.
Olympic Flag Bearers in Cortina d’Ampezzo
The Cortina segment of the Opening Ceremony honours Italy’s Winter Olympic heritage through two iconic athletes.
Franco Nones: A Pioneer of Italian Winter Sport
Born in Val di Fiemme, Franco Nones made history by becoming the first Italian Olympic champion in cross-country skiing at the 1968 Grenoble Games.
His victory broke decades of Scandinavian dominance and inspired generations of Italian winter athletes. Nones remains a symbol of perseverance and national pride.
Martina Valcepina: Speed, Skill, and Teamwork
A member of Italy’s short track speed skating team, Martina Valcepina has earned three Olympic medals and numerous European titles.
Competing for Fiamme Oro, she represents consistency, teamwork, and dedication — qualities essential to both sport and Olympic values.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony will take place on Friday, 6 February 2026, at 8:00 PM, inside Milan’s legendary San Siro Stadium. Designed by Balich Wonder Studio, the event promises a breathtaking fusion of sport, music, performance, and Italian culture.
Blending Italy’s historic legacy with a bold vision for the future, the ceremony will be one of the most anticipated moments of the Olympic Winter Games. With tickets already in demand, audiences worldwide are preparing to witness a night destined to become part of Olympic history.
Why These Flag Bearers Matter
The Olympic Flag bearers of Milano Cortina 2026 are more than ceremonial participants. They are living examples of how sport, art, education, and humanitarian work can unite humanity.
From peace advocacy to refugee empowerment, from athletic excellence to cultural leadership, their stories remind us that the Olympic Games are not only about medals — they are about hope, dignity, and shared humanity.
Final Thoughts
As the Olympic Flag enters San Siro on 6 February 2026, it will carry the voices, struggles, and dreams of millions across the globe. The chosen flag bearers ensure that this moment will resonate far beyond the stadium — inspiring future generations to believe in unity, resilience, and the enduring power of the Olympic spirit.