The Spanish Olympic Committee has appointed the figure skater and the skier as national ambassadors for the opening ceremony, promoting gender parity and replacing historical figures at the Winter Olympics.
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The ice skater Olivia Smart and the skier Quim Salarich They will be the standard-bearers of España at the inauguration of Milano-Cortina 2026Appointed by the Comité Olímpico EspañolThey will lead the delegation from February 6 to 22, representing the values and international projection of national olympism.
Official designation and international projection
The decision has been officially communicated by Alejandro Blanco, Chairman of the Comité Olímpico Español (COE), through a teleconference. This election comes after the proposal was approved by the Executive Committee of the COEBoth athletes assume the role of ambassadors for “The Heart of Spain”, happening to Queralt Castellet y Ander Mirambel.
The choice of Olivia Smart y Quim Salarich responds to a combination of sporting merits and established careerSmart boasts a historic Olympic diploma obtained alongside Adrián Díaz en Beijing 2022 in figure skating dance. Meanwhile, Salarich, an alpine skiing specialist, has qualified for his third Olympic Games, demonstrating a career of great consistency and commitment.
| Standard-bearer | Discipline | Key Milestones / Career | statements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quim Salarich | Alpine ski | Qualified for his third Olympics. Impeccable track record. | "It is an honor to carry the flag at the opening ceremony" |
| Olivia Smart | Figure Skating (Dance) | Olympic diploma in Beijing 2022. | "It's an honor and a dream come true." |
Selection criteria and regulations of the COE
The regulations of Comité Olímpico Español It generally stipulates that the flag bearers must be the athletes with the best Olympic record. Under this strict criterion, the responsibility would have fallen to:
- Queralt Castellet: Silver in Beijing 2022 and diploma in Pyeongchang 2018.
- Lucas Eguibar: Two Olympic diplomas (Sochi 2014 y Beijing 2022).
However, the organization has applied a logical exception given that both athletes have already performed this function in the past: RIDER Catalan in Vancouver 2010 y Beijing 2022, and the San Sebastian native in Pyeongchang 2018This decision allows for a renewal of the visible faces of Spanish Olympic Team, maintaining the recent tradition of presenting a mixed couple (man and woman) at the head of the delegation.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the flag bearers of Milano-Cortina 2026
Why aren't they flag bearers? Queralt Castellet o Lucas Eguibar?
Although they have the best track record, the COE has opted for other athletes because both Castellet , the Eguibar They have already carried the flag in previous editions of the Olympic Games.
What sporting merits support the new flag bearers?
Olivia Smart He achieved an Olympic diploma in Beijing 2022 in ice dancing, while Quim Salarich She faces her third Olympic Games with a distinguished career in alpine skiing.
When will the opening ceremony take place?
The ceremony that will kick off the Games Milano-Cortina 2026 It will be held on February 6th, the date on which the competition will begin and will run until the 22nd of the same month.
