Ukraine's Largest Winter Olympic Team in 16 Years Heads to Milan-Cortina 2026
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games opened in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, with Ukraine fielding its biggest delegation in 16 years. A total of 46 athletes across 11 sports are competing, marking the largest team since the 2010 Vancouver Games, which also saw over 46 Ukrainian participants.
This significant presence comes against a backdrop of profound sacrifice within the Ukrainian sporting community. According to Ukraine's National Olympic Committee, more than three thousand sports figures have taken up arms in defense of their country, with over 600 having lost their lives. At the opening ceremony in Milan's San Siro stadium, the Ukrainian flag was carried by 21-year-old short track speed skater, Yelyzaveta Sydorenko. She shared her emotions:
'I never thought I would be the one entrusted with carrying the flag. Ukraine has many more famous athletes, but I am sure my father is proud of me—both for being here and for representing our country.'
In Cortina d'Ampezzo, the flag bearer was Vladyslav Heraskevych, Ukraine's first-ever skeleton athlete. Following his fourth-place finish at the 2025 World Championships, he is considered a contender for a high-ranking position. Vladyslav remarked:
'Being at the Olympics is already a dream. To be a flag bearer is a dream I could hardly even imagine when I used to watch the Games on television.'
Prior to the Games, the International Olympic Committee had urged him to refrain from any protest actions during the Olympic events.
Parts of the athletes' parade also took place in the mountain clusters of Livigno and Predazzo. At these locations, Ukraine was represented by:
- Five-time Olympian, snowboarder Annamari Dancha,
- National record holder in ski jumping, Yevhen Marusiak.
The first competitions featuring Ukrainian athletes are scheduled for February 7th. The delegation is prepared and hopeful for success across various sports.
Ukraine's participation in the 2026 Olympics serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and national spirit amid the ongoing challenges the country faces. The larger team underscores the dedication and determination of Ukrainian athletes to achieve sporting excellence despite difficult circumstances. Flag bearers Yelyzaveta Sydorenko and Vladyslav Heraskevych have become emblems of this perseverance, representing their nation on the world's biggest stage.