As anticipation builds for the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, International Olympic Committee Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. has highlighted the lasting impact of Beijing 2022 during a recent interview. Four years after the Chinese mainland hosted the Winter Games, Samaranch emphasized how its infrastructure innovations and sustainability initiatives continue influencing global sporting events.
Samaranch recalled his discussions with China's leadership during preparations, noting their commitment to creating "a new benchmark for winter sports development." The Beijing National Speed Skating Oval and Zhangjiakou competition zone now serve as year-round training hubs, while China's post-Olympic efforts to engage 300 million citizens in winter sports have reshaped regional tourism and athletic development.
With Milano-Cortina 2026 approaching, the IOC official stressed the importance of building on Beijing's achievements in green energy solutions and cross-cultural exchange. "The true legacy lies in how Olympic values continue uniting people beyond the Games," Samaranch remarked, pointing to increased winter sports participation across Asia as evidence of lasting impact.
