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 guest list featured more than 130 attendees, including a world-renowned freestyle skier Alex Hall, Italy’s snowboarding sensation Ian Matteoli, a Swiss snowboarder and content creator Nicolas Huber and an Italian lifestyle influencer Ludovica Frasca.

Inspired by the Korean expression “Hwaiting” — a phrase used to cheer someone on and wish them strength — the event created a space where sport, culture and Samsung Galaxy technology came together in support of the Olympic movement.

At the event, attendees participated in a range of interactive programs, including guided tours around Samsung House, listening to the heartfelt stories of fellow athletes sharing their road to the Olympics. The program also featured TeamGalaxy content captured throughout the athletes’ Olympic Games experience, before wrapping up with attendees watching live games on the big screen to cheer for their home-country teams.

Through the Hwaiting Night event, Samsung brought together athletes, influencers and creators at the heart of Milano Cortina 2026. The evening was more than a celebration. It embodied Samsung’s belief that openness creates connection, fostering shared experiences that connect people across cultures and languages — demonstrating that “Open always wins.”

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.

“In environments where critical decisions depend on what people see, visual accuracy and reliability matter,” said Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re proud to see our professional monitors used in these real-world settings, and we continue to focus on developing display technologies built on precision and trust.”

Short track speed skating is one of the fastest and most technically demanding sports in the Olympic Winter Games. Races are often decided by razor-thin margins — sometimes as little as 0.001 seconds — and outcomes can hinge on brief moments such as athlete contact or the precise positioning of a skate blade. In these situations, officials rely on high-speed camera systems and real-time video review to evaluate incidents and ensure fair competition.

To support this process across short track speed skating disciplines, professional Samsung monitors are used to enable real-time video review and competition monitoring. With the aid of these monitors, officials can clearly assess critical moments and confidently make rulings.

ViewFinity S8: Supporting Officiating With Clear, Reliable Visual Review

In officiating areas near the field of play at Milano Cortina 2026, Samsung’s 37-inch ViewFinity S8 monitors (S80UD model) have been deployed to support fair play through real-time video review and competition monitoring.

The ViewFinity S8 features a 4K UHD (3,840 × 2,160) resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio, offering a larger viewing area that allows officials to examine fine details without compromising clarity. Compared to standard 32-inch displays, the expanded screen enables clearer inspection of close calls at the same magnification, helping officials review footage with greater confidence. HDR10 support further enhances contrast and color expression, ensuring faithful reproduction of video feeds during critical decision-making moments.

Odyssey Ark: Supporting Broadcast and Production Operations

Samsung monitors have also been installed in video rooms operated by Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), the official Olympic broadcaster for the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In these broadcast and production environments, Odyssey Ark supports teams monitoring multiple live feeds on a 55-inch display with a 1,000R curvature and 4K UHD (3,840 × 2,160) resolution.

Designed to enhance immersion while minimizing visual distortion, Odyssey Ark helps broadcast teams maintain a clear view of fast-paced action as competition intensity unfolds. A 1ms GtG¹ response time supports consistent image clarity during dynamic scenes, contributing to smooth monitoring across live production workflows.

Bringing Advanced Monitor Display Technology to Global Sporting Events

During the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, Samsung is carrying out its global Olympic and Paralympic partnership campaign, “Open Always Wins.” First introduced at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, the campaign reflects the value of openness — embracing differences, rejecting discrimination and creating greater possibilities through collaboration. At Milano Cortina 2026, the message is shared alongside Team Samsung Galaxy, Samsung’s official Olympic and Paralympic athlete ambassadors.

Building on its experience supporting live competition and broadcast environments at Milano Cortina 2026, Samsung will continue developing monitor solutions optimized for global sporting events and complex on-site operations, supporting fair competition and seamless production under the most demanding conditions.

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 LA28 Games. 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 LA28 Games 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. Gray-to-Gray, the length of time required for a pixel to transition from one shade of gray to another. ︎

Attended by Mauro Porcini, Chief Design Officer (CDO) at Samsung Electronics; Giusy Versace, Senator of the Italian Republic; Ollie Dudfield, Olympism365 Associate Director at IOC; and Domenico De Maio, Education & Culture Director of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, the Exhibition provided a space in which selected Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Ambassadors could directly showcase their solutions on the biggest stage.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a global platform that empowers young innovators to address real-world challenges using skills in the fields of AI technology or STEM. By fostering creativity and critical thinking, the program encourages students to innovate and develop impactful solutions to local and global issues. Through hands-on projects, participants gain the skills and confidence to tackle complex problems, transforming their ideas into actionable solutions. This initiative not only nurtures the next generation of leaders but also strengthens the global community by connecting young minds across borders to share knowledge and inspire collective progress. After the work Samsung did for Solve for Tomorrow with the IOC in the lead up to Paris 2024, the program has been strengthened through the collaboration with the IOC by launching “Social Change Through Sport & Technology – Sport & Tech” as one of the global themes for Solve for Tomorrow competition 2025. 

Displayed as prototypes in their respective booths were AKQUA-Gel, an AI-based smart bandage solution that monitors wound healing in real time and supports early infection detection through sensor data developed by Arya Anilkumar, Anna Huang, Aishwarya Reddy, Subiksha Srinivasan Vidya, and Elaine Zuo; and Kroove, a Solve for Tomorrow Italy-winning community-based app developed by Davide Casciaro and Francesco Emmanuel Stringaro that promotes sporting activities.

A key principle of Solve for Tomorrow is design thinking, which involves innovators learning how to manifest their ideas as usable, tangible objects in the real world. As such, the Ambassadors also took part in a bespoke Innovation workshop led by the Olympism365 Innovation Hub, organized collaboratively by Samsung and the IOC — with the objective of preparing them for what is next in their innovation journeys.

“At Samsung, we believe that young people already have what it takes to build a better future,” said Mauro Porcini, CDO at Samsung Electronics. “Our role is to support that journey — to provide the space, the tools and the trust that allow their ideas to grow into something meaningful.”

“The solutions exhibited today were truly impressive and are a hallmark of improving communities through passion and ingenuity,” said Senator Giusy Versace. “With future leaders as innovative as the Solve for Tomorrow Ambassadors, it is clear that the world is in good hands.”

Solve for Tomorrow Ambassadors Exhibit Solutions

Each booth at the Exhibition allowed hands-on experience of a Solve for Tomorrow solution, with the students on hand to introduce the problem they identified, the solution they developed and how technology plays a role in bringing that solution to life. Guests were able to ask questions, engage with the students, and experience their ideas firsthand.

For example, at the Storm Shield experience, guests tried on the headband and a demonstrator approached them from two meters away. As they approached — indicating an obstacle — the headband vibrated, with vibrations varying depending on distance. At the MyVision Experience, guests were able to walk slowly with the cane, which recognized obstacles on the floor and vibrated to alert the user to danger.

Meanwhile, the AKQUA-Gel and Kroove booths provided in-depth, interactive explanations of the ways in which the prototype solutions provided smarter health solutions and brought communities together through sports, respectively.

At the exhibition, there were all ten solutions from the Solve for Tomorrow Ambassadors, as follows:

The Five Sport & Tech Ambassador Teams

Australia | Team Up: Ahan Khiani

An AI-based platform that connects individuals with local sports teams and communities to increase participation in recreational sports.

Indonesia | Run Sight: Anthony Feriyanto

A wearable AI solution that helps people with visual impairments safely participate in running and other physical activities by detecting lanes and obstacles.

Türkiye | Poseidon: Umut Devrim Deveci

A swimming safety system for visually impaired users that provides vibration alerts through a wristband when approaching boundaries or obstacles.

Great Britain | Curastep: Raye Woon

Smart sneakers equipped with sensors to detect early signs of blister formation in people with diabetes and encourage safe physical activity. 

United States | Storm Shield: Danielle Yang

A protective sports headband designed to shield hearing aids from moisture, impact and environmental damage during physical activity.

The Five Accessibility and Environment Ambassador Teams

China | Furen Makers: Chenyue Wang

A brainwave-controlled wheelchair designed to support people with ALS and physical disabilities in mobility, rehabilitation and sports participation.

France | Liova: Simon Cénet 

A reusable battery production kit that transforms discarded smartphone batteries into portable power banks to reduce electronic waste.

India | Paraspeak: Pranet Khetan

A cloud-based AI solution that converts unclear speech into clear pronunciation in real time for people with speech impairments. 

Türkiye | Oilsorb: irem Erden

A sustainable oil spill response solution using reusable wool-based oil absorption pads and drone technology to address marine pollution.

United States | AKQUA-Gel: Arya Anilkumar

An AI-powered smart bandage that monitors wound healing in real time and supports early infection detection through sensor data.

The Spirit of Excellence in the Pursuit of Unity

Through Solve for Tomorrow, Samsung supports the journey of expanding the potential of youth into social impact around the world. It is with this in mind that the company hosted the Solve for Tomorrow Exhibition while another global event celebrating excellence and togetherness, the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Each event represents a yearslong journey in the pursuit of excellence for the greater good, the transition of potential to real impact.

“It is energizing to witness the Solve for Tomorrow Ambassadors showcase their innovative solutions firsthand, particularly in the context of the Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026, which placed a strong emphasis on inspiring and educating young people across Italy to encourage participation, inclusion and lifelong engagement in sport,” said Ollie Dudfield, Olympism365 Associate Director at IOC. “The work of the Ambassadors reflects our shared belief — across the IOC, Samsung and Milano Cortina 2026 — in youth engagement and in the impact sport and technology can have as catalysts for positive social change.”

“These young Solve for Tomorrow Ambassadors have put in long, difficult, hours — all in the name of benefiting their communities,” said Domenico De Maio, Education & Culture Director at the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation. “Seeing the incredible results of all that work is awe-inspiring, and the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation is proud to have been associated with this Exhibition.”

Find out more about Samsung Solve for Tomorrow at https://csr.samsung.com/en/.

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.

The announcement was made in Milan, where the ambassador program announcement is being held in conjunction with the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The three-day program runs from Feb. 8–10 and includes an appointment ceremony, a solution exhibition and networking activities.

Solve for Tomorrow is Samsung’s global problem-solving platform that supports young people in developing innovative STEM-based solutions to address local and global challenges. This year’s global ambassadors were selected from winning teams of Solve for Tomorrow regional competitions around the world, with the final selection being made through a joint evaluation by Samsung and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) based on the innovation, scalability and social impact of each solution. The 10 selected teams are divided into two focus areas — Sport & Tech, and Accessibility & Environment — with five teams chosen in each category.

As part of the Ambassador program, each selected team will receive funding, along with up to two years of continued support from Samsung to help transform their prototypes into commercially viable products. Five teams in the Sport & Tech category will be jointly supported by Samsung and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

During the ceremony, two Solve for Tomorrow alumni — Danielle Yang, a Samsung Solve For Tomorrow Ambassador in Sport & Tech, and Simon Cénet of Team Liova from France — shared personal stories and insights on youth innovation and the real-world impact of their projects.

Yang, who has a hearing disability herself, explained her motivation for participating in the program, stating, “I joined Samsung Solve for Tomorrow to address the challenges I experienced in my daily life.” She added, “With the support of Samsung Electronics and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), I am truly honored and delighted to have the opportunity to share my idea with the world, even on the Olympic stage.”

“Through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, I gained the confidence that my idea can create positive change in society,” said İrem Erden, an Ambassador from Türkiye who won a regional competition with OilSorb, a marine oil spill response solution that utilizes reusable wool-based oil absorption pads and drones. “As a selected ambassador, I will strive to inspire more generations.”

Sustainable Innovation in Sport & Tech

Held under the theme “Sport & Tech,” the aim of Samsung’s 2026 Ambassador program is to empower youth to drive sustainable innovation through the intersection of sports, technology and leadership. The official appointment ceremony took place at Samsung House in Milan and was attended by approximately 80 global stakeholders, including IOC President Kirsty Coventry; Jae Youl Kim, IOC Executive Board Member and President of Samsung Global Research; Olympism 365 Commission Chair Auvita Rapilla; Olympism 365 Commission Member Nawal El Moutawakel; Won-Jin Lee, President and Head of Global Marketing at Samsung Electronics; and Simon Sung, President and CEO Samsung Electronics Europe.

Commitment moment in the appointment ceremony underscored the shared commitment of Samsung and the IOC to jointly nurturing future talent and empowering young people to help shape a better world. This commitment was brought to life through a stage performance in which the composite logos of both organizations were brought together by unfolding and overlapping the Galaxy Z TriFold, completing the visual composition. The act of opening the Galaxy Z TriFold symbolically represented the expansion of ideas and potential, as well as the shared belief of Samsung and the IOC in opening new possibilities as young people step forward to lead the future.

“The projects are truly inspiring: full of creativity, imagination, and passion to make a real difference. You’re using technology to shape a future that is more inclusive, more sustainable, healthier and more active,” said IOC President Coventry. “I am especially excited to see the first-ever Sport & Tech winners — combining sport, technology, and problem-solving in ways that can truly change lives.”

“Through Solve for Tomorrow and our collaboration with the IOC, we are creating environments where young people can discover their strengths, express their ideas, and contribute meaningfully to society,” said Global Marketing Head Lee. “We are not only supporting innovation but also nurturing future leaders who will carry forward the values of excellence, respect, friendship — and creativity.”

Solution Exhibition and Innovation Workshop

On Feb. 9, the ambassador teams will showcase the solutions they developed at Smart City Lab in Milan and attend an innovation-themed workshop led by the IOC’s Olympism365 Innovation Hub that will equip the ambassadors with the skills to be an innovator of sustainable development in the world of sports. The exhibition will be attended by representatives from the IOC, the Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee and various Italian government agencies.

On Feb. 10, the ambassadors will take part in a series of on-site programs and official activities, as well as a visit to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Village. Through these experiences, Samsung is supporting the ambassadors in deepening their understanding of sports, technology and the meaning of the Olympic Games and the Olympic spirit.

Details regarding the 10 newly selected Solve for Tomorrow Ambassador teams and their projects are as follows: 

The Five Sport & Tech Ambassador Teams

Australia | TeamUp: Ahan Khiani

An AI-based platform that connects individuals with local sports teams and communities to increase participation in recreational sports.  

Indonesia | Run Sight: Anthony Edbert Feriyanto

A wearable AI solution that helps people with visual impairments safely participate in running and other physical activities by detecting lanes and obstacles.

Türkiye | Poseidon: Umut Devrim Deveci

A swimming safety system for visually impaired users that provides vibration alerts through a wristband when approaching boundaries or obstacles.  

Great Britain | Curastep: Raye Woon

 Smart sneakers equipped with sensors to detect early signs of blister formation in people with diabetes and encourage safe physical activity.   

United States | Storm Shield: Danielle Yang

A protective sports headband designed to shield hearing aids from moisture, impact and environmental damage during physical activity.

The Five Accessibility and Environment Ambassador Teams

China | Furen Makers: Chenyue Wang 

A brainwave-controlled wheelchair designed to support people with ALS and physical disabilities in mobility, rehabilitation and sports participation. 

France | Liova: Simon Cénet

A reusable battery production kit that transforms discarded smartphone batteries into portable power banks to reduce electronic waste.

India | Paraspeak: Pranet Khetan

A cloud-based AI solution that converts unclear speech into clear pronunciation in real time for people with speech impairments.  

Türkiye | Oilsorb: İrem Erden

A sustainable oil spill response solution using reusable wool-based oil absorption pads and drone technology to address marine pollution.

United States | AKQUA-Gel: Arya Anilkumar

An AI-powered smart bandage that monitors wound healing in real time and supports early infection detection through sensor data. 

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 the way people experience the Olympic and Paralympic Games continues to evolve beyond a single venue or broadcast moment, this shift is even more pronounced at Milano Cortina 2026 — shaped by geography, distance and multiple host locations. At this year’s XXV Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, Samsung’s role focuses on bridging these gaps, using technology to make Milano Cortina 2026 moments feel closer and more connected for athletes, fans and the broader Olympic Games community through technologies embedded across Games-time operations, including:

• Delivering dynamic perspectives with Opening Ceremony live broadcast integration: With support from the Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), Galaxy S25 Ultra devices will be embedded within the Opening Ceremony to capture dynamic perspectives alongside established broadcast cameras, expanding coverage, while fully complementing production workflows.
• Enabling seamless on-site communication for volunteers: A select group of volunteers will be equipped with Galaxy devices featuring Interpreter,¹ powered by Galaxy AI,² to communicate with athletes, officials and visitors with ease. With translations processed directly on device, the experience remains fast and reliable across Milano Cortina 2026’s diverse and distributed environments.
• Supporting officiating and competition monitoring for fair play: Samsung monitors will be deployed across Short-Track Speed Skating disciplines, providing high-quality displays to support operational needs.
• Keeping fan devices powered with Galaxy Charging Stations: Samsung will help people keep their devices powered throughout long competition and event days, enabling them to stay connected throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
• Connecting athletes, media and partners through storytelling at Samsung House: Samsung will host a dedicated hub, where people can come together to experience Samsung’s Olympic Games technology innovation story and share moments, perspectives and conversations as part of the rhythm of the Games.

“At the heart of Samsung’s role at Milano Cortina 2026 is a clear ambition: to connect athletes and fans in every moment, and help remind everyone that the Olympic Games are, above all, about people,” said Stephanie Choi, EVP and Head of Mobile Marketing Center, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “As the way audiences watch, share and experience the Olympic and Paralympic Games continues to change, mobile technology plays an increasingly important role in helping athletes, fans and communities stay connected — and get closer to the action, the emotion and each other.”

Opening Ceremony Live Broadcast Integration to Deliver Dynamic Perspectives

To support the Opening Ceremony experience, Galaxy devices will be integrated throughout the live broadcast production environment, enabled by the portability, superior camera quality and 5G connectivity of Galaxy S25 Ultra. Positioned alongside established broadcast cameras, the smartphones have been installed across dynamic locations — including jibs above the field and stadium stands, as well as athlete entrance tunnels — capturing immersive, on-site perspectives wirelessly and in real-time without disrupting established broadcast workflows.

Beyond the devices themselves, Samsung is working closely with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Olympic Broadcast Services (OBS) to help ensure Galaxy-based capture integrates seamlessly into the overall live broadcast environment.

Set inside San Siro Stadium, the Opening Ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026 will welcome more than 75,000 spectators on Feb. 6, as over 3,500 athletes from over 90 countries enter the stadium to mark the official opening of the Olympic Winter Games. By working closely with OBS to deliver an enhanced view of the Opening Ceremony with Galaxy, Samsung will help connect spectators in the stands with millions more sharing this historic moment across screens and locations around the world.

“The Olympic Games are a celebration of human excellence and unity, bringing athletes and audiences together around the world,” said Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of OBS. “The Opening Ceremony embodies that spirit, and through our partnership with Samsung, we can capture dynamic perspectives that complement our core broadcast coverage. By embracing dedicated mobile storytelling and the way millions of fans experience the Games on their smartphones, we help global viewers feel closer to the energy and emotion of this historic moment.”

Supporting Volunteers, Operations and the Games-Time Experience

Beyond the Opening Ceremony, Galaxy innovation is supporting the everyday operations that help Milano Cortina 2026 run smoothly across venues and host locations.

A select group of volunteers across the Olympic Games will be equipped with Galaxy devices featuring Interpreter, powered by Galaxy AI, to support natural communication between athletes, officials and visitors across languages. With translation processed directly on device, Interpreter enables fast, intuitive conversations and helps volunteers focus on delivering a welcoming, human-centered Games-time experience.

“As we prepare for the most geographically widespread Winter Olympics in history, the role of technology shifts from a simple tool to the very fabric holding our vision together,” said Andrea Varnier, CEO of Milano Cortina 2026. “Samsung’s innovation is fundamental in bridging the distances between our venues, transforming the vast territory of Milano Cortina 2026 into a single, unified arena. Their cutting-edge solutions do more than just support our operations; they redefine how the world perceives the spirit of the Games, ensuring that human connection remains at the heart of this digital evolution.”

In addition, Galaxy Charging Stations at stadiums across host cities will support spectators during long event days, helping to ensure these rare and meaningful Olympic and Paralympic Games moments unfold smoothly on site. This practical support allows people to stay present and engaged during moments that come only every four years.

Inside competition venues, Samsung technology will support officiating and operations. Samsung monitors will be deployed across Short-Track Speed Skating disciplines, providing high-quality displays to support operational needs.

Samsung House: A Central Hub for Connection, Storytelling and Shared Experiences

Located in Milan’s historic Palazzo Serbelloni, Samsung House provides a setting where guests can experience Samsung’s Olympic Games technology innovation history — bringing together the legacy of Samsung’s innovations and how they are brought to life on the ground in Milan as part of the rhythm of the Olympic Games, rather than a standalone showcase.

Throughout Milano Cortina 2026, Samsung House will host a curated program that encourages interaction and shared moments. Moments include National Olympic Committee nights, live competition viewings and displays of the Victory Profile portrait series, creating opportunities for athletes, partners and media to come together and share perspectives, and celebrate the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Complementing this atmosphere, Samsung House will also feature hospitality moments curated by Michelin-starred Italian chef Enrico Bartolini, adding a sense of local culture and warmth.

Samsung House officially opens on Feb. 4 and will operate throughout the Olympic Winter Games until Feb. 22. Samsung House will reopen during the Paralympic Winter Games from March 6 to 15. During this period, Samsung House will operate as an invitation-only environment, creating a dedicated space for meaningful connection throughout the Games.

As Samsung looks ahead to the future, Milano Cortina 2026 represents an important chapter in a partnership defined by innovation, athlete empowerment and the ongoing evolution of how global audiences experience the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Through its latest Galaxy technology, Samsung continues to open up Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 — supporting athletes from preparation to the podium and bringing fans closer to the energy, creativity and emotion of the world’s most celebrated winter sporting event.

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Olympic Games

Samsung has been a Worldwide Olympic Partner since the Olympic Winter Games Nagano 1998. For over 25 years, athletes and fans have trusted Samsung’s transformative mobile technology to share the Olympic spirit globally and help to 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. 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. ︎
2. Samsung Account login may be required to use certain AI features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features. Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary depending on the region/country, OS/One UI version, device model and phone carrier. ︎

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. ︎

Samsung Electronics, a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, today unveiled a new roster of Team Samsung Galaxy athletes for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The new team brings together 68 athletes across 17 countries, representing both Olympic and Paralympic sports. Each member of Team Samsung Galaxy was selected for their personal journey — one that embodies openness both on and off the field of play.

Bringing “Open always wins” to the Road to Milano Cortina 2026

The athletes will share their journeys on the road to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and help deliver Samsung’s central message for Milano Cortina 2026, “Open always wins.” 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. Team Samsung Galaxy will deliver this message to fans around the world by sharing personal stories that reflect how openness guides their lives and careers.

“Athletes and fans are at the heart of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Samsung is proud to help bring them closer together and make moments more connected — from how athletes share their journeys to how fans experience the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Sophia Kim, VP and Head of Experience Marketing Group, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Together with Team Samsung Galaxy, we will open up new perspectives and infinite possibilities throughout the Games, that is our message ‘Open always wins’ to the fans and communities.”

Athletes Who Bring Openness to Life

With a strong presence across nine key disciplines — including snowboarding, speed skating, skiing, bobsleigh and cross-country skiing — sports that embody creativity, expression and performance under pressure, the Team Samsung Galaxy roster represents the diversity of winter sports.

For Milano Cortina 2026, Team Samsung Galaxy includes Olympic freestyle skiing champion Alex Hall (USA), freestyle skier siblings Miro and Flora Tabanelli (ITA), an innovative performer of world-first snowboarding tricks Ian Matteoli (ITA), multiple-time short track speed skating World Champion and Olympic medalist Minjeong Choi (KOR), Freestyle skiing World Champion Zoe Atkin (GB) and two-time snowboarding Olympic gold medalist Anna Gasser (AUT). In alpine skiing, Arthur Bauchet (FRA) holds multiple Paralympic and World Championship titles, while Adam Žampa (SVK) brings depth of experience on the international stage. Team Samsung Galaxy for Milano Cortina 2026 also boasts figure skating elites including World Champion Alysa Liu (USA) and two-time World Champion Ilia Malinin (USA).

Across sports and borders, each Team Samsung Galaxy athlete brings the spirit of openness to life in their own personal way. Shaped by their creativity, resilience and a willingness to explore what’s possible, their journeys extend beyond competition to inspire fans around the world — demonstrating how an open mindset can influence not only performance but everyday life, on and off the road to Milano Cortina 2026.

For Ian Matteoli, openness is expressed through bold creativity. One of Italy’s brightest young snowboarders, he made history as the first rider to land a frontside 2160 in competition — a moment that showcased both technical mastery and an open, fearless approach to progression. Raised in a snowboarding family, his journey has been shaped by a determined comeback from serious injury fighting his way back to top form. As part of a generation that views the sport as both performance and lifestyle, Ian bridges snowboarding and skateboarding, carrying an open mindset as he represents his country at Milano Cortina 2026.

“Snowboarding has always been part of my life as more than just a sport. It’s a way of expressing who I am,” said Ian. “After my injury, I changed how I approached snowboarding and life, pushing myself to come back stronger, more creative and more connected to why I love this sport. Representing Italy on home soil is incredibly special, and having the support of Samsung motivates me to keep pushing creatively.”

For Mike Schultz, openness is expressed through reinvention and resilience. After a life-changing accident, he rebuilt his athletic journey by staying open to new ways of thinking, training and creating — transforming challenges into opportunity by engineering his own prosthetic to return to elite competition. Through an open mindset grounded in creativity and adaptability, Mike continues to evolve his approach to performance and recovery, winning three Paralympic medals and multiple World Championship titles. His story shows how openness can turn adversity into purposeful progress.

“If it wasn’t for creativity, I wouldn’t be where I am today. After my accident, I had to completely reimagine how I trained and recovered. Staying open to new ideas and using technology to better understand my body helped me rebuild with confidence,” said Mike. “It’s surreal to be part of Team Samsung Galaxy, given how tools like digital health platform have supported my progress, allowing me to train smarter and keep moving forward as an athlete.”

Alex Hall diversified his career path by establishing a ski film brand that documents urban and backcountry skiing. Raised in Zurich before moving to Park City, he grew up across two continents and brings a global perspective to freestyle skiing that blends technical precision with artistic expression. Off the slopes, his pioneering mindset carries over into filmmaking, where he draws inspiration for his new tricks while avoiding mental fatigue. His ability to blend sports, art and storytelling makes him one of the most creative voices in freestyle skiing today.

“I’m proud to be part of Team Samsung Galaxy and represent a brand that brings athletes and communities together on a global scale,” said Alex. “To me, there are no limits in sports. Everyone can express themselves in their own way, and Samsung empowers us to do this on and off the snow with its technology.”

Minjeong Choi expresses openness by inspiring young short track speed skaters through her own experiences. As a double Olympic champion in Women’s 1,500m and multiple world record holder in speed skating, her story of sustained excellence under pressure — and a constant willingness to evolve — opens up new perspectives for future generations. Admired for her leadership, her passion to continuously adjust, learn and lead reflects how openness fuels longevity and performance as an elite athlete.

“I’m happy to rejoin Team Samsung Galaxy after the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022,” said Minjeong. “Team Samsung Galaxy has always inspired people to open up more possibilities through sport. At the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, I will continue creating a positive impact with Team Samsung Galaxy.”

Continuing the Journey to Milano Cortina 2026

With Team Samsung Galaxy, Samsung reaffirms its long-standing commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. As the world looks ahead to Milano Cortina 2026, Samsung will spotlight authentic athlete stories that go beyond results alone — reinforcing openness as a value that connects athletes, fans and communities around the world through technology. Additional information on “Open always wins” and Samsung’s support for the Olympic Winter Games will be released as the Road to Milano Cortina 2026 continues.

Team Samsung Galaxy for Milano Cortina 2026:

1. Zoe Atkin (United Kingdom), Freestyle Skiing
2. Amedeo Bagnis (Italy), Skeleton
3. Corrado Barbera (Italy), Alpine Skiing
4. Elia Barp (Italy), Cross-country Skiing
5. Marta Bassino (Italy), Alpine Skiing
6. Arthur Bauchet (France), Para Alpine Skiing
7. Giacomo Bertagnolli (Italy), Para Alpine Skiing
8. Federica Brignone (Italy), Alpine Skiing
9. Gaon Choi (South Korea), Snowboard
10. Minjeong Choi (South Korea), Short Track Speed Skating
11. Giorgia Collomb (Italy), Alpine Skiing
12. Stefania Constantini (Italy), Curling
13. Elena Curtoni (Italy), Alpine Skiing
14. Renè de Silvestro (Italy), Para Alpine Skiing
15. Lara Della Mea (Italy), Alpine Skiing
16. Simone Deromedis (Italy), Freestyle Skiing
17. Leonardo Donaggio (Italy), Freestyle Skiing
18. Roland Fischnaller (Italy), Snowboard
19. Arianna Fontana (Italy), Short Track Speed Skating
20. Loris Framarin (Italy), Snowboard
21. Giovanni Franzoni (Italy), Alpine Skiing
22. Ralfs Freibergs (Latvia), Ice Hockey
23. Jole Galli (Italy), Freestyle Skiing
24. Anna Gasser (Austria), Snowboard
25. David Ghiotto (Italy), Speed Skating
26. Tommaso Giacomel (Italy), Biathlon
27. Renārs Grantiņš (Latvia), Bobsleigh
28. Daniel Grassl (Italy), Figure Skating
29. Alex Hall (United States), Freestyle Skiing
30. Jakub Hroneš (Czech Republic), Snowboard
31. Daeheon Hwang (South Korea), Short Track Speed Skating
32. Alex Insam (Italy), Ski Jumping
33. Gilli Kim (South Korea), Short Track Speed Skating
34. Marcus Kleveland (Norway), Snowboard
35. Tess Ledeux (France), Freestyle Skiing
36. Alysa Liu (United States), Figure Skating
37. Nicola Liviero (Italy), Snowboard
38. Zrinka Ljutić (Croatia), Alpine Skiing
39. Jacopo Luchini (Italy), Para Snowboard
40. Ilia Malinin (United States), Figure Skating
41. Valentina Margaglio (Italy), Skeleton
42. Ian Matteoli (Italy), Snowboard
43. Txema Mazet-Brown (United Kingdom), Snowboard
44. Annika Morgan (Germany), Snowboard
45. Dominik Paris (Italy), Alpine Skiing
46. Anna Pezzetta (Italy), Figure Skating
47. Federico Pellegrino (Italy), Cross-country Skiing
48. Emanuel Perathoner (Italy), Snowboard
49. Manon Petit-Lenoir (France), Snowboard
50. Laura Pirovano (Italy), Alpine Skiing
51. Sára Pónya (Hungary), Cross-country Skiing
52. Jongun Rim (South Korea), Short Track Speed Skating
53. Matteo Rizzo (Italy), Figure Skating
54. Marta Rossetti (Italy), Alpine Skiing
55. Suzanne Schulting (Netherlands), Speed Skating
56. Mike Schultz (United States), Para Snowboard
57. Arianna Sighel (Italy), Short Track Speed Skating
58. Petro Sighel (Italy), Short Track Speed Skating
59. Bart Swings (Belgium), Speed Skating
60. Flora Tabanelli (Italy), Freestyle Skiing
61. Miro Tabanelli (Italy), Freestyle Skiing
62. Deniss Vasiļjevs (Latvia), Figure Skating
63. Lisa Vittozzi (Italy), Biathlon
64. Leon Vockensperger (Germany), Snowboard
65. Walter Wallberg (Sweden), Freestyle Skiing
66. Dorothea Wierer (Italy), Biathlon
67. Michał Woźniak (Poland), Figure Skating
68. Adam Žampa (Slovakia), Alpine Skiing

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 continue to 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 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.