It’s a big day for Moroccan sport as the Winter Olympics open in Milan today. Morocco contributes to a record African delegation.

From deserts to snow-covered peaks, the Middle East and North Africa are making some serious noise at the Winter Olympics. Milano Cortina 2026 (February 6–22) isn’t just about medals, it’s about trailblazers rewriting what winter sport looks like.

Fourteen athletes from eight African nations are set to compete at the Winter Olympics, marking a significant increase from Beijing 2022.

The 2026 Winter Olympics saw a significant number of Black athletes from around the world, including two-time Olympian Erin Jackson, Laila Edwards, and Stevenson Savart, competing in sports traditionally dominated by white athletes from Nordic countries.

Athletes from around the world are in the Italian Alps for the opening of the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday – including 13 sportspeople from eight African countries. Though the continent isn't associated with winter sports,

The 2026 Winter Olympics will see athletes competing from five MENA countries: Morocco, Lebanon, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and debutants the UAE.

Of the 122 current National Olympic Committees (NOCs) that have ever sent athletes to the Winter Olympic Games, 92 are competing in Milan Cortina. The bid to win a medal is more elusive for some than others.