Running News Daily

Milan has welcomed one of the most respected figures in global sport. Eliud Kipchoge, Kenya’s legendary distance runner and as a former world marathon record holder, is in Italy ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, where he has been selected for a prestigious ceremonial role as one of the distinguished Olympic flagbearers.

Kipchoge’s presence at the Winter Games is not linked to athletic competition, nor does it involve representing Kenya in a Winter Olympic sport. Instead, his selection was made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee in recognition of the values he represents in sport and in life — unity, peace, humility, discipline, and belief in human potential.

Globally celebrated for redefining marathon running, Kipchoge’s legacy includes Olympic titles, multiple major marathon victories, and as a former world marathon record holder. Yet his influence extends far beyond the stopwatch. His philosophy and consistent excellence have inspired athletes across generations, making him a universal symbol of sporting greatness.

At the opening ceremony at San Siro Olympic Stadium, Kipchoge will be among a select group of distinguished flagbearers chosen to carry the Olympic flag, a role that highlights his global impact and the respect he commands within the Olympic movement. His participation is symbolic — a celebration of the Olympic ideals while proudly carrying his Kenyan identity onto one of sport’s grandest stages.

As the world turns its attention to Milan, Kipchoge’s calm authority and dignity add a special resonance to the Games. When he steps forward as a flagbearer, it will mark yet another defining moment in a career built not only on extraordinary achievement, but on enduring meaning.

Once again, Eliud Kipchoge proves that true greatness is measured not just in records, but in the impact one leaves on the world.