Athletes from around the world are in the Italian Alps for the opening of the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday – including 13 sportspeople from eight African countries. Though the continent isn't associated with winter sports,

Fourteen athletes from eight African nations are set to compete at the Winter Olympics, marking a significant increase from Beijing 2022.

Black athletes from around the world are competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, with Team USA, Canada, Jamaica, Nigeria, Benin, Madagascar, Eritrea and Kenya all represented in various sports and disciplines.

Six Olympic skiers joined by ⁠their parents, coaches and ​federation presidents came together on Sunday to advocate for more inclusion at the Winter Games. Representing Jamaica, Kenya, Eritrea, Madagascar,

Skier Issa Laborde is ready to make his Olympic debut for Kenya after his compatriot Sabrina Simader pulled out of her own races due to financial constraints.

Two-time Olympian Samuel Ikpefan has called for greater institutional and financial support to unlock what he believes is Africa’s vast untapped potential in winter sports, after completing his campaign in cross-country skiing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics,