Marathon icon adds another accolade to his illustrious career, selected to carry the Olympic flag at the Milano Cortina 2026 opening ceremony.

Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has been bestowed with a rare and prestigious honor: he will serve as one of the official Olympic flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) selected Kipchoge alongside seven other global icons to carry the Olympic flag into the San Siro Stadium in Milan on February 6, 2026.

This selection is a testament to Kipchoge’s status not just as an athlete, but as a global ambassador for the spirit of sport. Transcending his own discipline of summer athletics, he now stands at the forefront of the Winter Games, symbolizing unity, resilience, and the shared humanity that the Olympics seek to promote.

From the Track to the Snow

Kipchoge, a double Olympic marathon champion, will be joined by other sports luminaries such as Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade and Cameroonian boxer Cindy Ngamba. The role signals a graceful transition for the 41-year-old, moving from the fierce competitor who conquered the streets of Rio and Tokyo to a statesman of the sporting world. "This moment elevates Kenya's sporting story," reports indicate, noting that Kenya will also be fielding two athletes in the Winter Games: alpine skiers Sabrina Simader and Issa Laborde.

The ceremony at the iconic San Siro will be a spectacle of history, and Kipchoge’s presence ensures that Africa is represented at the highest level, even in an event traditionally dominated by northern hemisphere nations.

• Global Recognition: Kipchoge's selection underlines his impact beyond running; he is viewed as a figure who embodies the Olympic values of excellence and respect.
• Kenyan Pride: For Kenyans, seeing their most celebrated athlete leading the world at a Winter Olympics is a moment of immense national pride, expanding the country's sporting footprint.

A Legacy Secured

As he prepares for this ceremonial duty, Kipchoge continues to inspire millions. His mantra, "No Human is Limited," resonates as powerfully in the snowy peaks of Cortina as it does on the marathon courses of Berlin and London.

As Kipchoge walks into the San Siro, he carries with him not just a flag, but the aspirations of a continent. It is a fitting tribute to a man who has spent a lifetime proving that boundaries are meant to be broken.