Guided by the message “Open always wins,” Samsung brought new perspectives to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, opening up podium celebrations, broadcast storytelling, athlete connection and everyday interactions in ways that felt more personal, more immersive and more human than ever before.

Key Milano Cortina 2026 numbers include:

• Victory Selfie: Victory Selfie was incorporated into the official medal ceremony across all events at the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026
• Team Samsung Galaxy: 73 athletes across 18 countries shared their “Open always wins” stories throughout Milano Cortina 2026
• Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition distributed: To nearly 3,800 Olympic and Paralympic athletes
• Opening Ceremony broadcast integration: 26 Galaxy S25 Ultra devices embedded with Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS)
• Interpreter-enabled Games-time support: 850+ Galaxy devices embedded with Interpreter provided across the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games footprint
• Galaxy Charging Station: 64 stations helped spectators stay powered throughout the Games

Samsung Newsroom revisits the defining milestones that shaped Milano Cortina 2026.

Winning Together: Victory Selfie Becomes Iconic Podium Culture

On the Olympic podium, the instinct to share a once-in-a-lifetime achievement comes naturally. Victory Selfie captures that instinct — as a real, athlete-shaped moment of connection, self-expression and shared celebration.

At Milano Cortina 2026, Victory Selfie continued to grow into an iconic podium culture, reflecting how athletes choose to remember and share the emotion of the moment — whether standing alone, side by side or as a team. Powered by the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition, medalists captured their victories during the medal ceremony, turning medal moments into personal, shareable memories in their own voice.

Across the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Victory Selfie became an official part of the medal ceremony across all events — reinforcing the podium as more than a ceremonial stage, but a cultural moment of unity, gratitude and celebration.

In a broader sense, Victory Selfie also reflected the spirit of Openness — showing that the Olympic and Paralympic Games are not only about competition, but about sportsmanship, connection and the moments that bring people together beyond results.

That same spirit continued beyond the podium, as Team Samsung Galaxy shared “Open always wins” stories throughout the season, with 73 members across 18 countries bringing fans closer to the athletes and moments behind the Games.

Nearly 3,800 Athletes Connected With the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition

For Milano Cortina 2026, Samsung provided the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition to nearly 3,800 Olympians and Paralympians. Designed as an intelligent, pocket-sized companion, the Olympic Edition supported athletes from Olympic Village life to medal ceremonies.

With Galaxy AI at the core, the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition helped athletes communicate, create and share more seamlessly throughout their Games-time journey. Key capabilities included:

• Interpreter, powered by Galaxy AI — enabling real-time translation processed directly on device, helping conversations stay natural
• Dual Recording, allowing athletes to capture both sides of a moment at once — their reactions and the world around them — for richer, more immersive storytelling
• Photo Assist, supporting fast, high-quality edits that helped athletes be creative and share memorable images with ease
• Now Brief, delivering personalized daily updates such as reminders and calendar events to support a smoother routine amid an intense schedule
• Games-time athlete services and connectivity support, including access to Athlete365, the Galaxy Athlete Card helping athletes stay informed and connected throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games

The device’s distinctive design — combining Samsung’s signature blue with a custom gold frame — symbolized both unity and excellence, reflecting the spirit of Milano Cortina 2026.

Dynamic Perspectives: Galaxy Devices Integrated Into the Opening Ceremony Broadcast

Milano Cortina 2026 also expanded how fans experienced Games-time storytelling. In collaboration with Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), Samsung helped introduce new, immersive perspectives into the Opening Ceremony broadcast environment.

For the first time at an Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony, 26 Galaxy S25 Ultra devices were embedded across the live broadcast setting. Positioned across athlete entrance tunnels, stadium stands and dynamic camera rig placements, Galaxy devices captured immersive views wirelessly and in real time — complementing traditional broadcast infrastructure and helping viewers worldwide feel closer to the emotion of the moment.

From the Parade of Nations to behind-the-scenes celebrations, athletes also used their Galaxy devices to capture and share personal Opening Ceremony memories — extending the experience beyond the stadium into the hands of the people who lived it.

Beyond the Spotlight: Connecting Everyday Moments Across the Olympic and Paralympic Games

Across Olympic Villages and venues, Samsung equipped select Games-time support teams with Galaxy devices featuring Interpreter, powered by Galaxy AI — enabling real-time translation processed directly on device, supporting day-to-day interactions without relying on network connectivity across geographically distributed mountain locations.

In total, more than 850 Galaxy devices embedded with Interpreter were provided to a select group of volunteers to support Games-time assistance across the event footprint, helping conversations stay smooth, welcoming and human-centered.

Inside competition venues, Samsung technology also supported operations and fair play. Samsung monitors supported officiating in Short-Track Speed Skating disciplines, contributing to operational clarity and consistency during competition.

Around host cities and venues, 64 Galaxy Charging Stations helped spectators stay powered during long event days, ensuring meaningful moments could be captured and shared in real time, without interruption.

Samsung House: A Central Hub for Openness

At the heart of Milan, inside the historic Palazzo Serbelloni, Samsung House became a central gathering space for athletes, media and partners throughout both the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

It hosted National Olympic Committee events, live competition viewings, athlete visits, media engagements and stakeholder meetings — creating space for reflection and shared celebration beyond competition.

The venue also showcased Samsung’s Olympic legacy through the Olympic Edition Gallery, featuring Olympic Editions from across the years and bridging nearly four decades of innovation with the present moment of Milano Cortina 2026.

Meanwhile, Victory Profile portrait series was captured on Galaxy S25 Ultra — featuring athletes throughout Milano Cortina 2026 — and visitors were invited to step into the experience themselves, using the same device to capture their own moment.

Opening Up the Future: From Milano Cortina 2026 to LA28

From Olympic Editions distributed to thousands of athletes, to broadcast integration, AI-powered communication tools and Games-time operational support, Samsung’s role at Milano Cortina 2026 reflected the evolving way the world experiences the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

As Milano Cortina 2026 came to a close, attention began to shift toward what comes next. Building on the spirit of “Open always wins,” Samsung will continue to open up the Olympic and Paralympic experience with new perspectives, new technologies and new generations, ensuring that connection remains at the heart of the Olympic and Paralympic Games through LA28.

For the first time at the Paralympic Games, Victory Selfie expanded beyond individual and pair events to all events — including team competitions. Victory Selfie was incorporated into the official medal ceremony across all events as well at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Every medal-winning athlete had the opportunity to share their individual or team triumph from their own perspective. All Victory Selfie images were taken with the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition.

Victory Selfie represents how the Paralympic Games continue to evolve — honoring tradition while embracing new ways to enhance athlete and fan experiences during the Games.

By placing the phone in athletes’ hands, Samsung reinforces a simple belief: athletes should be able to tell their own stories.

The Opening Ceremony offered an early glimpse of that innovation, with Galaxy S25 Ultra devices integrated into the live broadcast, delivering dynamic perspectives alongside traditional broadcast cameras. On the podium, medalists captured their victories through the Victory Selfie shot on the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition — an authentic moment that has become an iconic part of the medal-winning experience.

But connection extends far beyond the spotlight. From athletes mingling in the Olympic Village to volunteers guiding visitors through unfamiliar cities, Samsung’s mobile technology is supporting the everyday interactions that define Milano Cortina 2026.

Turning Language Barriers Into Moments of Connection

To support seamless communication across venues — including remote mountain locations — Samsung equipped volunteers with Galaxy devices featuring Galaxy AI-powered, on-device Interpreter.

For Emmanuel Mantilla Jr., a volunteer from the Philippines supporting National Olympic Committees in the Olympic Village, language differences once meant hesitation.

Mantilla believes the Olympic Games are “like another universal language,” bringing people from different cultures together in shared moments.

“English is widely spoken, but not everyone feels confident using it,” Mantilla said. “Before, I would hesitate. I would look for someone else who spoke their language and wait for that person to assist.”

Now Interpreter has changed his approach. “Instead of waiting silently, I approach them directly and ask how I can help. The confidence is there now.”

Mantilla recalls one memorable moment during his volunteer work. At a tram stop, a spectator asked for directions to the ice hockey arena — a venue outside Mantilla’s assignment.

“It wasn’t even my venue,” Mantilla recalled. “The person had difficulty speaking English. So, I used the Interpreter to explain which tram to take and how to transfer to the shuttle going to the arena. Before, I might have tried to find someone else to help. Now, I can assist immediately.”

Athletes Connecting Beyond Nationality

Inside the Olympic Village, athletes from around the world are experiencing similar benefits.

Xaverri Williams, representing Trinidad and Tobago in bobsleigh, says the Interpreter feature makes it easier to communicate with athletes outside his delegation.

“The translation feature is especially helpful in understanding people who don’t speak English fluently,” he said. “Having something that helps bridge that gap makes communication much easier and smoother.”

Spanish figure skater Tomas Guarino Sabate added that even small misunderstandings can interrupt connection.

“Most people speak English,” he said. “But there are definitely moments when someone isn’t as comfortable, or when you don’t know the right word yourself. Having a tool that allows live translation can be really useful in those situations.”

For Team Samsung Galaxy athlete Daniel Grassl of Italy, mobile technology enhances both athlete-to-athlete interaction and fan engagement. “It allows you to express how you feel and share your day,” he said.

Connecting Beyond the Village

Samsung’s activation across Milano Cortina 2026 continues to connect fans and athletes alike.

Around the cities, Galaxy Charging Stations allow spectators to recharge their devices and stay connected to the action, ensuring they can share moments in real time with family and friends.

Meanwhile, the Samsung Victory Truck is traveling across Milan, Bormio and Livigno, bringing immersive Olympic Games mobile technology experiences directly to fans. Visitors can take photos with AR mascots Tina and Milo and download images via QR code, returning home with a digital keepsake from the Olympic Winter Games.

Connecting Every Moment

As Milano Cortina 2026 continues, Samsung’s innovation is helping ensure that language, geography and distance do not stand in the way of shared experience — connecting athletes and fans in every moment and ensuring the Olympic Winter Games spirit travels further.

On the Olympic podium, that instinct comes into focus. After years of preparation and competition, athletes stand side by side in a moment that is emotional, unfiltered and deeply human; one they want to remember as themselves and share with the people who supported them along the way.

That insight led Samsung to introduce Victory Selfie as part of official medal ceremony programming, bringing the most natural and authentic way athletes capture their lives onto the podium. Shaped by athletes themselves, it has become an iconic part of the medal-winning experience.

Now, at Milano Cortina 2026, Victory Selfie enters its next chapter, powered by the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition.

Not only is it making its Olympic Winter Games debut, it also is expanding beyond individual and pair podium moments to capture shared victory — allowing full teams to celebrate side by side, just as they trained, competed and earned their medals together.

Since its inception at Paris 2024, Victory Selfie has helped this once-in-a-lifetime Olympic moment feel closer and more personal. Nearly 300 Victory Selfies were taken with the Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition in Paris, capturing the vibrant, diverse personalities of the athletes on the podium.

From spectators seeing the moment captured live to athletes sharing their Victory Selfie image with family, fans and followers around the world, Samsung is helping reinforce the podium as a cultural stage — where sport, self-expression and shared victory come together and where an iconic moment continues to grow beyond the Olympic Winter Games.

Athletes commemorated these once-in-a-lifetime moments of the Opening Ceremony with their Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition devices. From their first walk-in amid the thunderous roar of the crowd to celebrations with teammates, these special memories from the Parade of Nations were shared from the world’s stage through a closer, more personal view.

As a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, Samsung also collaborated with Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) to embed 26 Galaxy S25 Ultra devices across the stadium — from the spectator stands to the very heart of the athlete entrance tunnels — capturing new views alongside conventional broadcast equipment.

From the Opening Ceremony to the stories unfolding behind the scenes, Samsung continues to use mobile innovation to connect athletes and fans in every moment — innovating how we celebrate the Olympic Winter Games.

Take a look at some of the highlights here:

As part of Samsung’s global “Open always wins” campaign,¹ the takeover transforms streets, squares and transit hubs into a living canvas — placing the energy and anticipation of the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games directly into the rhythm of city life.

Featuring Team Samsung Galaxy athlete ambassadors, the visuals celebrate the drive, resilience and openness at the heart of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The series highlights Italian athletes Jacopo Luchini (Para Snowboard), Flora Tabanelli and Miro Tabanelli (Freestyle Skiing), and Ian Matteoli (Snowboard), enjoying their precious moments on their Olympic journey with selfies captured on the Galaxy Z Flip7.

Running across ten key locations including Duomo di Milano, Pirelli 39, San Babila and Corso Como, the out-of-home advertising brings the excitement of winter sports beyond competition venues and into the heart of the host city. The advertising campaign runs from February 1 to February 28, with select locations including San Babila – Durini until March 15 and Duomo di Milano until March 31.

As Milano Cortina 2026 approaches, Samsung continues to pair its “Open always wins” message with local expression — opening up moments that matter and bringing people closer to the excitement of the Games.

Locations for the out-of-the home advertising:

• Duomo di Milano
• Bastioni di Porta Venezia
• Corso Como – Porta Garibaldi
• Pirelli 39
• Cadorna – Via Carducci – San Nicolao
• Via San Paolo
• Corso Venezia – Via Senato
• San Babila – Durini
• Largo La Foppa
• Palazzo Odeon

1. First introduced at Paris 2024, the theme returns to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as a reflection of Samsung’s belief that, with an open mind, anything is possible. ︎

Samsung Electronics, a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, today unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition,¹ exclusively designed for all athletes competing at the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Provided to almost 3,800 Olympians and Paralympians from approximately 90 countries, the special edition device will accompany athletes throughout their Games-time experience — supporting life in the Olympic Village while enabling them to capture and share meaningful moments from competition to celebration.

The Olympic Edition will be incorporated into official podium moments via the Victory Selfie, which is making its Winter Olympics debut at Milano Cortina 2026. For the first time, it will expand to team sport competitions at Olympic Games so that all participating athletes can document their moment of victory through their own lens. In addition, athletes² from select National Olympic Committees (NOCs) will be able to share their personal passions and spirit through the Victory Profile, a new photo series captured with the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

“Athletes are at the heart of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and for nearly 30 years Samsung has supported them as a Worldwide Partner through meaningful mobile innovation,” said Stephanie Choi, EVP and Head of Mobile Marketing Center, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Since Sochi 2014, we’ve supported athletes with Olympic Editions and we’re honored to continue this commitment at Milano Cortina 2026. With Olympic Edition, athletes will be able to connect with fans and families at every unforgettable moment in their own way.”

A Special Olympic Edition To Celebrate the Olympic Winter Games 

The Galaxy Z Flip7 is an intelligent pocket-sized companion built for seamless interaction and everyday reliability. It integrates Galaxy AI with a new edge-to-edge FlexWindow, providing an effortless mobile AI experience. This intuitive, one-handed usability makes the Galaxy Z Flip7 a practical support for athletes throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Some key features include:

• The dual rear camera system, including 50MP Wide³ and 12MP Ultra-Wide lens, delivering flagship-level clarity.
• Now Brief,⁴ which provides personalized daily updates such as reminders, calendar events and fitness summaries. It can also access health and wellness data from certain applications.
• Photo Assist,⁵ which brings studio-quality enhancements to images by moving, erasing or enlarging objects, adjusting angles, and filling in backgrounds with AI-powered capability.
• On-device Interpreter⁶ lowers the language barrier by providing real-time translation regardless of network connection, allowing seamless communication — even in mountainous areas.

Adding to these features, the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition introduces an iconic design that commemorates athletes’ participation in the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, as well as practical services to help enhance their experience in the Olympic Village and throughout competition.

The signature blue color covering the back glass of the device aligns with the unique style of Milano Cortina 2026, and represents the combination of Samsung’s long-standing identity and the cultural resonance of Italian azure. The color also reflects the spirit of unity and sportsmanship embodied by the Olympic Games. The custom gold metal frame symbolizes athletes’ pursuit of excellence and podium moments, as well as the brand’s aspiration for the best. The Olympic Edition device also comes with a clear magnet case with a blue circular magnet, surrounded by gold laurel leaves added as a motif of victory.

Each device also includes special Olympic Winter Games–themed wallpaper created specifically for Milano Cortina 2026. The colorful curves represent winter sports, inspired by marks generated from the interaction between skate blades and ice surfaces. These design elements celebrate the Olympic spirit and each athlete’s passion.

Athletes can make moments with fans, family and teammates more memorable with Dual Recording, a feature that allows them to capture both what they see and their own reactions in a single shot by using the rear and front cameras at the same time. Tailored exclusively for the Olympic Edition, athletes can access Dual Recording mode simply by swiping the shooting mode within the Camera app. Athletes can also open up new and creative angles that bring the action closer using the split view by zooming in⁷ on the rear-camera view, and can preview their shots in real-time directly on FlexWindow.

The Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition comes with a pre-loaded curated suite of essential apps and services to support athletes throughout Milano Cortina 2026:

• To encourage connection among athletes during their stay, the Galaxy Athlete Card experience offers a digital means for exchanging profiles, collecting cards and participating in interactive activities, helping to foster a sense of community across disciplines and delegations.
• Athletes will also receive complimentary connectivity via a 100GB 5G eSIM, along with access to digital passes and services in Samsung Wallet, developed in collaboration with Worldwide and Local Partners to facilitate their daily needs during Milano Cortina 2026. This includes Coca-Cola Free Beverage Key, which can be used at vending machines across the Villages.
• Athlete365 offers performance and mental health support while delivering key competition information. It is integrated into Galaxy AI’s Now Brief feature, keeping athletes updated with the latest Olympic Games-related news at a glance.
• Other applications — including the official Olympic Games app, IOC Hotline and PinQuest — improve day-to-day convenience in the Olympic Village while aiding athletes’ performance on and off the field of play.
• The pre-installed fitness application will enable athletes to track workouts and receive personalized training insights when using exercise equipment installed inside the Olympic and Paralympic Villages.

Marking the Moment of Victory, Together

First introduced at Paris 2024, the Victory Selfie — powered by the Olympic Edition — allowed athletes to capture their moments of victory directly from the podium and share them from their own perspective, making moments more connected.

At Milano Cortina 2026, the Victory Selfie will make its Winter Olympics debut — and introduce a new, expanded format. For the first time, it will extend beyond individual and pair events to include wider team celebrations for Olympic Games, reflecting the collaborative nature of winter sports. Athletes can now capture and share their achievements together with teammates and instantly share them with their loved ones and fans around the world, so they can also join that life-changing moment.

Capturing the First Spark of Excitement With the Victory Profile

Athletes’ journeys extend far beyond the competition, encompassing preparation, anticipation and the emotions surrounding the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. To reflect this broader journey and celebrate the athlete experience, Samsung introduces the Victory Profile, a new athlete storytelling initiative developed with nine NOCs. The Victory Profile leverages curated portraits captured on the Galaxy S25 Ultra to vividly showcase each athlete’s unique passion and individuality.

The Victory Profile adds a new perspective to the Winter Olympics experience by highlighting moments beyond the podium and providing athletes with a personal keepsake that reflects their journey, as well as their unique personalities. The initial project will start with approximately 490 athletes from France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, the U.K. and the U.S.

Helping Shape the Future Games-Time Experience

Samsung will continue to use its mobile innovation to open up the Olympic and Paralympic Games to fans around the world, making every moment feel more connected. Through its devices and athlete-centered experiences, Samsung is creating new ways for athletes to share their journeys — from preparation to the podium — while bringing fans closer to the moments and people that define the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition will be distributed at Olympic Villages across six cities, starting on January 30^th. The Samsung Open Station will also offer on-site professional customer service to help athletes activate devices, transfer data and receive general technical support.

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Olympic Games
Samsung has been a Worldwide Olympic Partner since the Olympic Winter Games Nagano 1998. For nearly 30 years, athletes and fans have trusted Samsung’s transformative mobile technology to share the Olympic spirit globally and to help shape the digital future of the Olympic Games for Milano Cortina 2026 and beyond. The company’s commitment to the Olympic Movement soon faces its fourth decade of partnership and extends through Los Angeles 2028. Samsung’s purposeful innovations in the wireless communications and computing equipment category, including equipment that features artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality and 5G will help to change the way the world experiences the Olympic Games.

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Paralympic Games
Samsung is a Worldwide Partner of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in the wireless communications and computing equipment category. Starting from Paralympic Winter Games Torino 2006, the company has proudly supported the Paralympic Movement and enabled athletes and fans around the world to share the excitement and inspiration of the Games through Samsung’s transformative mobile technology. Samsung’s commitment to the Paralympic Games will extend through to Los Angeles 2028 and be celebrated through innovative mobile and computing experiences powered by purposeful innovations in the wireless communications and computing equipment category, including equipment that features artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality and 5G.

1. Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition is not for sale. ︎
2. Victory Profile is offered only to those athletes from 9-NOCs who were willing to participate the program. This photo program is not an official collaboration with the IOC. ︎
3. 50 MP resolution is available on Galaxy Z Flip7’s rear wide camera only. ︎
4. Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model, apps. Some features may require a network connection. Modes and Routines need to be enabled to use Personal Data Engine for context-based Routines suggestions. User needs to consent to access permissions such as photos, videos, audio files, and calendar events. May not display moments depending upon exposure policy. The description of photos provided by moments may not align with the user’s intent. Events schedule notification is supported with calendar apps that utilize Android calendar database and available if Samsung Calendar is installed. Notifications for coupons only available for coupons added to Samsung Wallet with expiration date. To check the Energy Score, the health data tracked from Samsung mobile devices must be synchronized with the Samsung digital health platform. The result is for your personal reference only and is not intended for medical purposes. ︎
5. Generative Edit feature for Photo Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Generative Edit may result in a resized photo. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed. ︎
6. Interpreter requires Samsung Account login. Certain languages may require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Availability and supported features may vary by country, region or carrier. Availability of supported languages may vary. Supported languages include Korean, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Polish, Hindi, Thai, Vietnamese, Russian, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Dutch, Swedish, Turkish, Romanian, Filipino and Gujarati. ︎
7. Dual Recording zoom-in feature supports up to 10x. ︎