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Eliud Kipchoge reflects on Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games
07th February, 2026 11:30 AM
Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge has described his role as a flag bearer at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics as both unusual and deeply fulfilling, after making a special appearance during the Opening Ceremony at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan on Friday night, February 6, 2026.
The Kenyan athletics legend, who secured consecutive marathon gold medals at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games, was selected as one of eight individuals entrusted with carrying the Olympic flag, marking a rare return to the Games, this time outside the track arena and in a winter sports setting.
Kipchoge speaks in Milan
Speaking in Milan, Kipchoge admitted that the experience felt unfamiliar, but one he embraced with pride. “I really feel good, happy to be recognised by the world of sport and for being given this chance to hold the [Olympic] flag during the Opening Ceremony,” he said. However, he acknowledged the strangeness of the moment, adding, “I feel a little bit strange [though] to be at the Winter Olympic Games. I remember running on ice, as I normally run on the asphalt. But I value what the Olympics have set in this world of sport,”
Despite being best known for his long-distance dominance, Kipchoge revealed a growing admiration for winter disciplines, particularly ice hockey and cross-country skiing. Reflecting on alternative sporting paths, he remarked: “I think I would do the cross-country [skiing] because I was a cross-country runner.” His fascination with ice hockey was equally clear, as he noted: “I love how people are doing their gimmicks on the field as far as ice hockey is concerned.”
At 41, Kipchoge’s appearance in Milan represents his sixth Olympic journey, though his first in a ceremonial capacity rather than as a competitor, a career that began in Athens in 2004. This time, his mission centres on promoting the Olympic spirit and inspiring unity through sport.
Explaining the symbolism behind his new role, he stated, “It’s an opportunity of its own. I’m holding the flag to represent the values. I’m holding the flag to promote the sport, and to promote love, to promote unity and what sport and the Olympics are doing by bringing people together,”
The International Olympic Committee and the Milano Cortina 2026 organising committee selected Kipchoge in recognition of his remarkable career and embodiment of Olympic ideals such as peace, solidarity, and perseverance. Reflecting on his journey, he observed: “I think this moment represents what I’ve been doing for the last 23 years [and that] it has been really for the better of the sport,”
Motivating younger generation
Kipchoge also highlighted his desire to motivate younger generations, stating: “I’m here to talk to the younger generation by carrying the [Olympic] flag. I want the young generation, because I believe they are better than me [by] far,”
Beyond his legendary marathon feats, Kipchoge boasts an impressive Olympic medal haul that includes bronze in 2004 and silver in 2008 over 5,000 metres. He also holds the distinction of being the first athlete to run a marathon in under two hours and has secured 10 straight victories in major city marathons.
Although he no longer competes at the elite marathon level, Kipchoge says his passion for running remains undiminished. Outlining his future ambitions, he explained: “I have a lot of dreams. For the next two years, I’m going all around the seven continents to run in all seven continents. To run for a purpose. To tell people, ‘Hey, running is the only way to be fit. Running is the one way to be happy and to bring peace.’ I will finish in a beautiful race in Antarctica. To run on top of the ice and feel how high it is,”
The 41-year-old also shared his appreciation for the intensity of ice hockey, noting: “I like ice hockey, the collision and how they crash, that’s the beauty and the sweetness of sport.” Eliud Kipchoge is regarded as one of the best athletes in the present generation.
