France Sends Record 159-Athlete Delegation to 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, taking place from February 6 to 22, will see France field its largest-ever Winter Games delegation. The French Olympic Committee is sending 159 athletes, supported by two substitutes, competing across 14 of the 16 winter sports disciplines, with the exceptions being curling and luge.

This delegation represents a significant milestone for French winter sports. Women make up 45% of the team, while men constitute 55%, and notably, 75% of these athletes are Olympic rookies. The team combines youth and experience, having an average age of 26 years. One historic highlight is the simultaneous qualification and participation of both the men's and women's ice hockey teams — the women's team achieving Olympic qualification for the first time marking a significant advance.

The French delegation also competes in the newly included ski-alpinism sport, showcasing expansion in France’s winter sports representation. To support the athletes, the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) has implemented a comprehensive support system focusing on logistical assistance, mental health, and overall well-being, aiming to optimize performance and experience during the Games.

Flag bearers will be selected through a vote by the athletes themselves, with the team having one male and one female flag bearer. Additionally, the "Allez les Bleus" program has been launched to mobilize and engage public support before and during the Olympics.

These Games hold particular significance as a preparatory step toward the 2030 Winter Olympics, which France will host in the French Alps, representing a generational and territorial legacy for French winter sports.

Together, these details underscore both the scale and historic nature of France’s engagement at Milan-Cortina 2026, aiming to inspire national pride and athletic excellence.