Rebeca Andrade and Eliud Kipchoge to Lead 2026 Olympics Opening Ceremony
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina will feature two prominent figures as flag bearers. Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade and Kenyan marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge are set to lead the opening ceremony. Their selection highlights not just their athletic prowess but also their meaningful contributions to society.
Rebeca Andrade: Brazil’s Olympic Star
Rebeca Andrade stands as Brazil’s most decorated Olympic athlete. She has won a total of six Olympic medals, making her a significant figure in the world of gymnastics. Andrade has participated in three Olympic Games: Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024. She secured gold medals in the vault at Tokyo 2020 and on the floor exercise at Paris 2024.
Eliud Kipchoge: Marathon Legend
Eliud Kipchoge has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest marathon runners in history. He made headlines as the first athlete to complete a marathon in under two hours. Kipchoge has represented Kenya in five Olympic Games: Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024. He is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, winning in Rio 2016 and again in Tokyo 2020.
Notable Flag Bearers
- Cindy Ngamba: A boxer who made history at Paris 2024 by winning a bronze medal for the Refugee Olympic Team.
- Pita Taufatofua: The first athlete from Tonga to compete in both Summer (taekwondo) and Winter (cross-country skiing) Olympics.
- Franco Nones: Italy’s first Olympic champion in cross-country skiing, achieved in 1968.
- Martina Valcepina: A Dutch speed skater with three Olympic medals earned between 2014 and 2022.
Institutional Representatives
- Tadatoshi Akiba: Former mayor of Hiroshima, Japan.
- Maryam Bukar Hassan: Renowned artist and UN peace advocate.
- Nicolo Govoni: Italian writer and activist, Nobel Peace Prize nominee.
- Filippo Grandi: Former UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
The Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina will take place from February 6 to February 22, 2026. This event promises to not only showcase athletic talent but also embody themes of resilience, inclusivity, and global responsibility.
