Men's snowboard slopestyle champion Su Yiming will carry China's flag during the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games closing ceremony this Sunday, cementing his status as one of Asia's most accomplished winter athletes. The 22-year-old made history this week by securing China's first gold medal of the Games on his birthday, adding to his growing collection of Olympic honors.
Since his debut at Beijing 2022, where he claimed gold and silver medals, Su has become a dominant force in snowboarding. His current medal tally stands at two golds, one silver, and one bronze following this year's bronze in big air and slopestyle gold. The Verona Arena will host Sunday's ceremony, concluding the first Winter Olympics held in Italy since 2006.
Analysts note Su's rising prominence reflects China's expanding winter sports infrastructure and youth engagement programs. With his combination of technical precision and creative flair, the athlete has become a cultural icon for winter sports enthusiasts across Asia.
