Legendary Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge has been selected as one of the flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, a rare and symbolic honour that transcends sport and performance. 
At 41 years old, Kipchoge — widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner in history and the first person to run a marathon in under two hours — will return to the Olympic spotlight not as a competitor, but as a symbol of Olympic values during the ceremony held at San Siro Olympic Stadium in Milan on February 6, 2026. 
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Milano-Cortina 2026 organising foundation selected eight distinguished individuals from around the world to carry the Olympic flag into the stadium. These flag bearers represent ideals such as resilience, unity, global citizenship, and the unifying spirit of the Games. Kipchoge’s selection reflects his outstanding athletic legacy and his broader role as a global sports ambassador. 
Kipchoge has won two Olympic marathon gold medals (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020) and competed at multiple summer Games. His career helped redefine expectations in long-distance running and inspired athletes worldwide. 
In remarks shared ahead of the ceremony, Kipchoge described the opportunity to carry the Olympic flag as “a huge opportunity” to highlight the core values of the Olympic movement — integrity, passion for sport, and human potential. He also expressed pride in representing Kenya and Africa on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages. 
Although Kenya is not traditionally associated with Winter Olympic competition, its presence at Milano-Cortina 2026 continues to grow. Kenyan athletes, including alpine skier Issa Laborde Gachiringi, will also compete in the Games, continuing a broader effort to support talent across climates and disciplines. 
Kipchoge’s role as flag bearer marks a meaningful blend of Olympic tradition and global recognition — spotlighting an icon of athletic excellence in a setting where his presence bridges the worlds of Summer and Winter Olympic sport.
