With the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics just months away, IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. is reflecting on how Beijing 2022 continues to shape global sports culture. In an exclusive interview, he highlighted China’s “unmatched commitment” to sustainability and innovation during the Games, calling them a blueprint for future host cities.
Samaranch recalled his 2022 meeting with China’s president, emphasizing how cross-cultural collaboration during the Beijing Olympics strengthened international ties. “The world saw how sports could bridge divides,” he said, pointing to the Games’ high-tech venues now being repurposed as community hubs.
As athletes gear up for 2026, China’s legacy looms large: eco-friendly infrastructure, youth engagement programs, and a surge in winter sports participation across Asia. ❄️♂️♀️ Will Milano-Cortina match this impact? Samaranch smiles: “Every Olympics writes its own story.”
