Eliud Kipchoge on Being a Flag Bearer at Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics: 'I Feel a Little Bit Strange'

Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge was among eight flag bearers at the Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium on Friday, marking a special appearance at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

The Kenyan icon, who claimed back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the marathon at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, said he was thrilled to return to the Olympic stage despite the unfamiliar winter setting.

Eliud Kipchoge also shared his admiration for winter sports, singling out ice hockey and cross-country skiing as disciplines he enjoys watching.

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“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 told Olympics.com in Milan.

“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 has set in this world of sport.”

Eliud Kipchoge’s presence at the Winter Games even led him to consider which ice sport he might have pursued if his path hadn't led to long-distance running.

“I think I would do the cross-country [skiing] because I was a cross-country runner,” the Kenyan stated, drawing a parallel to the endurance that made him arguably the greatest marathoner in history.

He also admitted a fascination with the fast-paced action of ice hockey, noting his interest in the sticks, skates, and the sport's physical nature. “I love how people are doing their gimmicks on the field as far as ice hockey is concerned.”

This marks Eliud Kipchoge's sixth Olympic experience, but his first not as a competitor for Kenya's track team, a journey that began at Athens 2004. This time, he serves as a global ambassador for sport.

On Friday, the 41-year-old will help carry the Olympic flag into the stadium. Despite his decorated career, this is the first time the running legend has been given this prestigious role at an opening ceremony, an honour he is eagerly anticipating.

“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,” he said upon his arrival in the host city.

Eliud Kipchoge was selected by the IOC and the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 because his inspirational career embodies the Olympic principles of peace, unity, and solidarity. True to his philosophical approach to life and running, he hopes this moment will encourage others to pursue their dreams.

“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,” he reflected, referencing a career that launched with a 5000m gold at the 2003 World Athletics Championships.

“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 marathon titles, Kipchoge’s Olympic medal collection includes a bronze (2004) and a silver (2008) in the 5,000 meters.

He is also the first person to run a marathon in under two hours and holds a record of 10 consecutive major city marathon wins, including two world records. The marathon king has no plans to stop running; he is simply shifting his focus.

“I have a lot of dreams," Kipchoge shared. "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.”

While his presence at the Winter Games may seem unexpected, Kipchoge will undoubtedly be a keen observer this month, with a special eye on the action at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena.

A marathon legend, known for endurance and grace, has revealed a surprising appreciation for the rough-and-tumble world of ice hockey.

"I like ice hockey... the collision and how they crash, that's the beauty and the sweetness of sport," he remarked with a smile, highlighting the intense physicality that defines the game.