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,

South Africa are set to be the best-represented African country at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics (Feb. 6-22), with five athletes expected to participate among a total 13 from the continent.

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

Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League,

Even though the Olympics are said to connect the global village, the Winter Games remain a distant story for Africa, a continent where snow and ice are hard to find. Winter sports face high barriers from the start here.

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