China has selected speed skaters Ning Zhongyan and Zhang Chutong to carry the national flag at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony this Friday, marking a strategic choice highlighting both experience and rising talent. The announcement, made by China's delegation on February 4, 2026, positions the athletes as symbols of the country's winter sports ambitions.
Ning Zhongyan, 26, brings Olympic pedigree to the role, having placed fifth in the 1,000-meter event at Beijing 2022. The Harbin native dominated the 2025 Asian Winter Games with three gold medals, cementing his status as Asia's top long-track skater. His counterpart, 22-year-old Zhang Chutong, represents China's short-track future – a Beijing 2022 relay bronze medalist who upgraded to gold at the same regional games last year.
The flagbearer duo will lead a 286-member Chinese contingent into Milan's iconic San Siro Stadium, with 126 athletes competing across disciplines. Notably, 67 Olympians will make their Games debut, reflecting China's expanded winter sports program following its 2022 hosting duties.
All eyes now turn to Friday's ceremony, where Ning and Zhang will embody China's pursuit of its first Winter Olympics top-three medal finish. The delegation's composition – balancing veterans like speed skating star Gao Tingyu with fresh talent – underscores systematic development since Beijing 2022.
