Across mountains, cities and stadiums – from San Siro to the slopes of Livigno, from the Olympic Village to the heart of Milan – Samsung’s mobile innovation helped connect athletes, fans and communities in every moment.

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:

• Victory Selfie: The 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 Openness 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

The 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.

▲ Gold medalists of Team United States, silver medalists of Team Japan and bronze medalists of Team Italy pose for a Victory Selfie after the figure skating team event. (Photo by Andreas Rentz / Getty Images)

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^[1], 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 68 members across 17 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.

▲ U.S. figure skaters, including Team Samsung Galaxy star and Milano Cortina 2026 gold medallist Alysa Liu, show off their Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition at the Samsung Open Station in the Olympic Village. (Photo courtesy of Samsung Electronics)

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

• Interpreter^[2], powered by Galaxy AI — enabling real-time translation processed directly on device, helping conversations stay natural
• Dual Recording^[3], 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^[4], supporting fast, high-quality edits that helped athletes be creative and share memorable images with ease
• Now Brief^[5], delivering personalised 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 — symbolised 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.

▲ The Galaxy S25 Ultra helped film the live broadcast of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 at San Siro Olympic Stadium (Photo courtesy of Samsung Electronics)

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^[6] — enabling real-time translation processed directly on device, supporting day-to-day interactions without relying on network connectivity across geographically distributed mountain locations.

▲ Team Samsung Galaxy figure skater Daniel Grassl of Italy uses Galaxy AI-powered Interpreter at the Milano Cortina 2025 Olympic Village (Photo courtesy of Samsung Electronics).

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.

▲ A view of Samsung House, inside the historic Palazzo Serbelloni, in Milan, Italy (Photo courtesy of Samsung Electronics)

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.

▲ Norwegian speed skater and 5000m gold medallist Sander Eitrem visits Samsung House and takes a Victory profile photo with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. (Photo courtesy of Samsung Electronics)

Meanwhile, the 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.

[1]Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition is not for sale.

[2]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.

[3]Dual Recording zoom-in feature supports up to 10x.

[4]Generative Edit feature for Photo Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Generative Edit may result in a resized photo up to 12MP. 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.

[5]Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model or apps. Some features may require a network connection.

[6]Samsung account login and network connection required. Galaxy AI features are provided for free. Future releases may include additional advanced features that are offered as part of a paid subscription plan. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties

For the first time at the Paralympic Games, the Victory Selfie expanded beyond individual and pair events to all events – including team competitions. The 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 shot with the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition^[1].

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

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

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY – MARCH 09: Bronze medalist Andrew Kurka of Team United States holds a phone as he prepares to take a victory selfie alongside Gold medalist Jeroen Kampschreur of Team Netherlands and Silver medalist Jesper Pedersen of Team Norway during the medal ceremony for the Men’s Para Alpine Skiing Super-G Sitting on day three of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre on March 09, 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images for IPC)

▲ (Above) CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY – MARCH 09: Gold medalist Johannes Aigner of Team Austria and his guide Nico Haberl, Silver medalist Giacomo Bertagnolli of Team Italy and his guide Andrea Ravelli and Bronze medalist Kalle Ericsson of Team Canada and his guide Sierra Smith pose for a victory selfie with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition during the medal ceremony for the Men’s Para Alpine Skiing Super-G Vision Impaired on day three of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre on March 09, 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)

VAL DI FIEMME, ITALY – MARCH 07: Gold medalist Oleksandra Kononova of Team Ukraine, Silver medalist Natalie Wilkie of Team Canada and Bronze medalist Liudmyla Liashenko of Team Ukraine celebrate by taking a victory selfie on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Para Biathlon Women’s Sprint Standing on day one of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Val di Fiemme, Italy. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images for IPC)

[1]Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition is not for sale.

LIVIGNO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Gold medalist Ailing Eileen Gu of Team People’s Republic of China, Silver medalist Fanghui Li of Team People’s Republic of China and Bronze medalist Zoe Atkin of Team Great Britain take a victory selfie during the medal ceremony for the Women’s Freeski Halfpipe Final on day sixteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Livigno Air Park on February 22, 2026 in Livigno, Italy. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

London, UK – 22nd February 2026 – Fresh from delivering a standout performance at Milano Cortina 2026, world champion freestyle skier Zoe Atkin stood at the top of the podium and did what a new generation of athletes now instinctively do – she captured the moment.

Zoe’s victory selfie, captured on the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition^[1], wasn’t just a celebration. It was the culmination of early alarms, relentless training cycles, the setbacks and the incremental breakthroughs that built up to this defining run.

As a Team Samsung Galaxy athlete, Atkin represents a new era of Olympians who don’t just perform on the world stage, but bring fans into their life in real time.

As with every elite performance, the medal-winning moment was shaped long before she dropped in. As Zoe recently said in an interview:

“Your brain is totally empty; you can just be in your body and feel the sensations of what you’re doing. For me, that’s when it’s really fun because I feel like I’m flying above the crowds on the side of the halfpipe. I’m way above them and I can hear them screaming – I’m never that present, or in the moment, anywhere else.”

That ability to be fully present is built on disciplined preparation. As she explained in the same interview: “I’m very regimented about getting enough rest. I aim for between nine and 10 hours if I’m training the next day and calculate what time I need to wind down, just to make sure I’m asleep on time.”

To get her head in the zone before competition, Zoe also meditates – a practice that helps lower her baseline stress levels, something she can see reflected in her health and fitness data. “It stops me spiralling and helps me stay grounded,” she says. By tracking her recovery, rest and stress metrics, she ensures that when it’s time to drop in, both mind and body are aligned.

Using her Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition, Zoe could instantly connect with family, teammates and fans throughout her Olympic Games journey, sharing not just the medal, but the joy, relief and pride that followed. Before competitions, she has spoken about how connection grounds her: “Even if it’s just five minutes…seeing their faces resets me.”

From sharing her training runs, to taking her Victory Selfie at Milano Cortina 2026, Zoe brought fans closer to the Games than ever before.

Annika Bizon, Mobile Experience Vice President of Product and Marketing, Samsung UK & Ireland, said:

“The beauty of the Olympic and Paralympic Games lies not only in the medal ceremony, but in the journey that leads there. Zoe’s performance at Milano Cortina 2026 is a powerful reminder that progress is built in the unseen moments – the resilience, the setbacks and the relentless preparation that shape an athlete long before they step into the spotlight.

“At Samsung, we believe that when athletes stay open – to growth, to possibility, to new ways of connecting – they create the space to push boundaries. Zoe choosing to share that moment in real time reflects how today’s athletes are bringing fans closer to the full experience, not just the final result.”

[1]Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition is not for sale.

Today, Olympic pins are far more than souvenirs. Worn on lanyards and jackets, displayed in collections around the world and traded in Olympic Villages and fan zones, they serve as tangible symbols of connection long after the Games conclude. Each pin carries a story — of where it came from, who exchanged it and the moment it represents. 

© 2024 / International Olympic Committee (IOC) / MAKINO, Rakuto

Why Olympic Pins Matter

Unlike medals, which recognise athletic achievement, Olympic pins are designed to be shared. Their value lies not in competition, but in connection. 

Pin trading reflects the core values of the Olympic movement by inviting participation from athletes, fans, volunteers and visitors alike, fostering cultural exchange through designs inspired by host cities, sports and national identities, and encouraging togetherness through face-to-face interaction in an increasingly digital world. 

Through every exchange, pins become reminders that the Olympic Games are as much about meeting one another as they are about sport. 

Samsung and a Modern Take on a Timeless Ritual

The spirit of pin sharing reflects Samsung’s role in connecting people through the Olympic movement. At Milano Cortina 2026, Samsung continues its long-standing tradition of Olympic pin creation with a new collection developed in collaboration with acclaimed illustrator Olimpia Zagnoli. 

Inspired by the energy of the Winter Olympics and the cultural character of Milan and Cortina, the designs bring bold colour, movement and warmth to a winter setting — inviting people to connect through art and shared experience. Created not just to be worn but to be exchanged, each pin acts as a conversation starter, opening the door to new encounters, memories and friendships throughout the Games. 

Samsung celebrates the Olympic spirit with a designer Pin Collection by Olimpia Zagnoli

A Small Symbol with a Big Meaning

More than a century after the first Olympic badges were created, pin trading remains one of the most human traditions of the Olympic Games. In a world shaped by technology and global change, the simple act of exchanging a pin continues to express something timeless: openness, generosity and the joy of connection. 

The tradition lives on with Milano Cortina 2026 — one pin, one exchange and one shared moment at a time. 

Gifted to almost 3,800 Olympians and Paralympians, the Olympic Edition is helping them to stay connected with home, capture unforgettable moments, and share their journey with fans in real time — all while fitting seamlessly into the fast-paced rhythm of Olympic Games life. 

Staying close to home, even miles away

For many athletes, the Olympic Village is a temporary home filled with emotion, anticipation and quiet moments between competitions.  

Italian short-track speed skater Arianna Sighel captured that feeling perfectly, sharing a mirror selfie from her room with the Olympic Edition – on the front screen is a beautiful picture of her family. 

Italian short-track speed skater @ariannasighel

With its compact, foldable design and high-quality selfie camera, the Olympic Edition makes it easy for athletes to check in with loved ones — whether through a quick photo, a video call, or a message before heading out the door.  

Life in the Village, one swipe at a time

Belgian speed skating star Bart Swings offered fans a behind-the-scenes look at his first days in Milan, swiping through moments that define Olympic Games life: selfies in his room with his skates, iconic shots of the Olympic rings in the heart of the Village, and the excitement of unboxing his Olympic Edition straight from the Samsung booth. 

Belgian speed skating star @bart_swings  

From there, the Olympic Edition has followed Bart everywhere — part of daily routines at training in the rink, mounted for cycling sessions using Dual Recording, and filming workouts in the gym. For athletes balancing training, recovery and content creation, having a powerful communications device in a pocket-sized form factor makes all the difference. 

Iconic backdrops, unforgettable selfies

The stunning scenery surrounding Milano Cortina 2026 venues has inspired athletes to stop and capture the moment. Alpine skier Elena Curtoni snapped a bright selfie in the mountains in front of the Olympic rings, ticking off a must-have Games memory with her Olympic Edition. 

On the ice, Dutch Olympic short-track champion Suzanne Schulting shared training-day selfies rinkside without missing a beat between laps. 

Dutch short-track champion @suzanneschulting

Sharing the magic — together

Some moments are simply too big not to share. Polish athlete Michał Woźniak captured the pure energy of the Opening Ceremony in a video alongside his teammates, while Swiss snowboarder David Hablützel filmed his very first trip to on-site training — a milestone moment powered by the Olympic Edition. 

Freestyle snowboarder Marcus Kleveland summed up the excitement during his unboxing: “Sleek, compact, and built to move — just like life on snow.”  

Out on the slopes, Txema Mazet-Brown celebrated being part of Team Samsung Galaxy, capturing snowy moments with the Olympic Edition. 

Enhancing the Olympic Games experience

From morning training sessions to calls home, the Olympic Edition has been warmly received by athletes across disciplines. Its compact design slips easily into pockets, its Flex Mode unlocks new creative angles, and its powerful camera helps athletes tell their Olympic Games stories — exactly as they live them. 

At the Olympic Village in Milan, the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition isn’t just a smartphone. It’s a connection to home, a creative tool, and a memory-maker — helping athletes focus on what matters most while capturing every unforgettable step of their Olympic Games journey. 

Galaxy S25 Ultra devices were embedded within the Opening Ceremony to capture dynamic perspectives.

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 Editioni – 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 AIii-powered, on-device Interpreteriii.   

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. “   

▲ Emmanuel Mantilla Jr. uses Interpreter to guide visitors from all around the world.

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 uses Interpreter to communicate with fellow athletes in the Olympic Village.

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.” 

▲ Tomas Guarino uses Interpreter to understand different languages spoken in the Olympic Village.

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.” 

▲ Daniel Grassl believes technology enhances athlete communication and fan engagement.

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.  

▲ Galaxy Charging Stations help visitors stay connected throughout Olympic Games.

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.  

▲Victory Truck provides immersive Olympic Games Experience to visitors.

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. 

LIVIGNO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 9: Gold medalist Mathilde Gremaud of Team Switzerland, Silver medalist Ailing Eileen Gu of Team People’s Republic of China and Bronze medalist Megan Oldham of Team Canada selfie on the podium after winning the Women’s Slopestyle Final on day three of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Livigno Snow Park on February 9, 2026 in Livigno, Italy. (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

London, UK – 13^th February 2026 – From Torvill and Dean’s unforgettable Boléro to Eddie the Eagle’s fearless ski jump, the Olympic Winter Games have delivered some of Britain’s most iconic sporting achievements.  Alongside medal-winning performances, they have also showcased the determination, belief and commitment that led them to success on the world’s biggest stage.

As anticipation builds for Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, new research from Samsung reveals that while gold-medal moments remain central to what fans celebrate, it’s the memorable journeys, breakthroughs and incremental wins behind them that continue to resonate with British fans today.

To celebrate Samsung’s partnership for Milano Cortina 2026, the brand commissioned research revealing that Torvill & Dean’s Boléro tops the list of the greatest Winter Olympic moments of all time for Brits, with 38% ranking it as the most iconic. Fans say these top moments stood out not just for the result, but also because their stories were moving (40%) and because they showed resilience (38%). Across the rankings, medal-winning performances that left the strongest impression were those rooted in emotion and perseverance, from underdog stories to comebacks and personal triumphs that went beyond medals.

This appreciation for the journey leading to milestone achievements extends far beyond elite sport. Samsung research reveals more than a third of Brits use their smartphone to capture moments of personal progress in their own lives (38%), from fitness milestones (40%) to trying something new (40%) to small day to day accomplishments (38%).

PHOTO CREDIT: MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 09: Gold medalist Jutta Leerdam of Team Netherlands, Silver medalist Femke Kok of Team Netherlands, and Bronze medalist Miho Takagi of Team Japan celebrate by taking a victory selfie during the medal ceremony for the Speed Skating Women’s 1000m on day three of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Speed Skating Stadium on February 09, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Watching Winter Olympic athletes also appears to have a wider ripple effect, with a third of Brits saying the Games inspire them to challenge themselves (33%). Meanwhile, 81% agree it’s important to recognise small wins in everyday life with 61% saying that photos and videos of personal progress help them realise how far they’ve come.

Annika Bizon, Mobile Experience Vice President of Product and Marketing, Samsung UK & Ireland, said: 

“There’s a reason we’re drawn to the underdog stories and at the Winter Games they remind us that greatness can often be forged in the moments no one sees. Behind every iconic performance lie thousands of unglamorous hours: the falls, the 5am training sessions, the days you wanted to quit.

“Traditionally, the world has only seen the finished product. Today, that is changing. Athletes are opening the doors to their entire experience, sharing the setbacks, the relentless preparation, and the small breakthroughs that represent the true heart of the sport. Our partnership with Milano Cortina 2026 is built on this belief in authenticity. We want to ensure that the dedication behind the athlete is just as visible as the performance itself, celebrating the journey of every individual, no matter where it leads.”

Athlete’s journey resonates with viewers with three in ten having felt emotional watching the Winter Olympics, due to athletes finally achieving their dream (28%), an underdog story (27%) or watching someone overcome setbacks (23%). These moments of perseverance and progress are what transform sporting performances into lasting sources of inspiration.

Joining Team Samsung Galaxy’s roster for Milano Cortina 2026, Team GB Snowboarder Txema Mazet-Brown brings this mindset to life by sharing the small wins that shaped his Olympic Games journey.

“A lot of people only see what happens on competition day, but for me it’s the progress that happens every day that really matters” said Txema Mazet-Brown, Team Samsung Galaxy athlete. “It’s landing something you’ve been working on, learning from a fall, or just turning up and putting the work in when things don’t go perfectly. I’ve always felt like if you stay open to learning and keep pushing, things keep moving forward. Those small wins are what build your confidence over time and give you the belief to take the next step.”

The top twenty greatest Winter Olympic Games moments of all time, according to Brits, were:

1. Torvill & Dean’s Boléro (Sarajevo 1984)
2. Eddie the Eagle’s ski jump (Calgary 1988)
3. The Jamaican bobsleigh team debut (Calgary 1988)
4. Team GB women’s curling gold (Sochi 2014)
5. Amy Williams winning Team GB’s first solo gold in 30 years (Vancouver 2010)
6. Lizzy Yarnold back-to-back gold skeleton titles (Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018)
7. “Miracle on Ice” ice hockey upset (USA beating Soviet Union in 1980 4-3)
8. Team GB men’s curling silver (Salt Lake City 2002)
9. Chloe Kim’s record-breaking halfpipe win (Beijing 2022)
10. Jenny Jones’ snowboard slopestyle bronze – GB’s first medal on snow (Sochi 2014)
11. Shaun White’s iconic snowboard halfpipe runs (e.g., Vancouver 2010)
12. Shaun White’s comeback gold in the halfpipe (PyeongChang 2018)
13. Ester Ledecká winning in both skiing and snowboarding (PyeongChang 2018)
14. Hermann “The Herminator” Maier’s crash and comeback triumphs (Nagano 1998)
15. Yuzuru Hanyu’s legendary figure skating performances (e.g., PyeongChang 2018)
16. Steven Bradbury’s last corner short track gold (Salt Lake City 2002)
17. Eric Heiden’s clean sweep of five speed skating golds (Lake Placid 1980)
18. Shelly Rudman’s breakthrough skeleton silver (Turin 2006)
19. Izzy Atkin’s freestyle skiing bronze (PyeongChang 2018)
20. Chemmy Alcott’s comeback performances (e.g., Sochi 2014)

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.  ^[1]

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.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Gold medalists of Team United States, Silver medalists of Team Japan and Bronze medalists of Team Italy pose for a photo on the podium by taking a victory selfie during the Medal Ceremony for the Team Event on day two of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Ice Skating Arena on February 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Gold medalist Sander Eitrem of Team Norway, Silver medalist Metodej Jilek of Team Czechia, and Bronze medalist Riccardo Lorello of Team Italy take a victory selfie following the medal ceremony after Speed Skating Men’s 5000m on day two of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Speed Skating Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

ANTHOLZ-ANTERSELVA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Gold medalists Eric Perrot, Quentin Fillon Maillet, Lou Jeanmonnot and Julia Simon of Team France, Silver medalists Tommaso Giacomel, Lukas Hofer, Dorothea Wierer and Lisa Vittozzi of Team Italy and Bronze medalists Justus Strelow, Philipp Nawrath, Vanessa Voigt and Franziska Preuss of Team Germany pose for a photo by taking a victory selfie on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Mixed Relay 4 x 6km (M+W) on day two of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Anterselva Biathlon Arena on February 08, 2026 in Antholz-Anterselva, Italy. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

LIVIGNO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Gold medalist Zuzana Maderova of Team Czechia, Silver medalist Sabine Payer of Team Austria, and Bronze medalist Lucia Dalmasso of Team Italy pose for a victory selfie during the medal ceremony for the Women’s Parallel Giant Slalom on day two of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Livigno Snow Park on February 08, 2026 in Livigno, Italy. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 07: Gold medalist Francesca Lollobrigida of Team Italy, Silver medalist Range Wiklund of Team Norway, and Bronze medalist Valerie Maltais of Team Canada take a victory selfie during the medal ceremony for the Speed Skating Women’s 3000m on day one of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Speed Skating Stadium on February 07, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

VAL DI FIEMME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 07: Gold medalist Frida Karlsson of Team Sweden (C), Silver medalist Ebba Andersson of Team Sweden (L) and Bronze medalist Heidi Weng of Team Norway celebrate by taking a victory selfie duering the medal ceremony for the Women’s 10km + 10km Skiathlon on day one of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium on February 07, 2026 in Val di Fiemme, Italy. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

LIVIGNO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Gold medalist Benjamin Karl of Team Austria, Silver medalist Sangkyum Kim of Team Republic of Korea and Bronze medalist Tervel Zamfirov of Team Bulgaria pose for a victory selfie during the medal ceremony for the Men’s Parallel Giant Slalom on day two of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Livigno Snow Park on February 08, 2026 in Livigno, Italy. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

[1] For the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, Victory Selfie will be available across all sporting events. The program will be focused on individual and pair events for Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026

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 our highlights here:

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is utilized for the live broadcast of The Opening Ceremony for Milano Cortina 2026 (Credit: Getty Images).

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is utilized for the live broadcast of The Opening Ceremony for Milano Cortina 2026 (Credit: Getty Images).

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is utilized for the live broadcast of The Opening Ceremony for Milano Cortina 2026 (Credit: Getty Images).

Athletes share their experience with fans using the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition (Credit: Getty Images)

Athletes share their experience with fans using the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition (Credit: Getty Images)

Athletes share their experience with fans using the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition (Credit: Getty Images)

Athletes share their experience with fans using the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition (Credit: Getty Images)

Samsung out-of-home advertising at Duomo

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.

Samsung out-of-home advertising at San Babila

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.

Samsung out-of-home advertising at Porta Venezia

Locations for the out-of-home advertising:

• Duomo
• Porta Venezia
• Corso Como – Porta Garibaldi

• Pirelli 39
• Cadorna – Via Carducci – San Nicolao
• Via San Paolo
• Corso Venezia – Via Senato

• San Babila
• 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.