Countdown Begins for Milan-Cortina 2026 with Team Samsung Galaxy's Launch

Countdown to Milan-Cortina 2026

As the world prepares for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, Samsung Electronics has unveiled its latest Team Samsung Galaxy. This team is composed of 68 elite athletes from 17 different countries, representing both Olympic and Paralympic events. What unites them is their embodiment of the principle that 'Open always wins'.

Embracing 'Open always wins'

The participants of Team Samsung Galaxy will share their unique journeys leading up to the Winter Games, promoting the core message of Samsung at the Milan-Cortina 2026. Originally introduced during the Paris 2024 Games, this theme reflects Samsung's belief that openness leads to new perspectives and countless possibilities. By sharing personal experiences, these athletes aim to propagate this message to fans globally.

Sophia Kim, Executive Vice President of the Mobile Experience (MX) Division at Samsung Electronics, emphasized the importance of connectivity between athletes and their supporters. "Samsung takes pride in bringing athletes and fans closer together through innovative experiences, allowing them to share their journeys and celebrate the spirit of competition together," she remarked.

Diverse Representation in Winter Sports

Team Samsung Galaxy showcases a diverse array of talent across nine key winter sports that call for creativity, expression, and high performance under pressure.

Notable members of Team Samsung Galaxy include:

- Alex Hall (USA), an Olympic gold medalist in freestyle skiing.
- Miro Tabanelli and Flora Tabanelli (Italy), sibling freestyle skiers.
- Ian Matteoli (Italy), an innovative snowboarder known for revolutionary tricks.
- Minjeong Choi (South Korea), a short track speed skating Olympic medalist.
- Zoe Atkin (UK), world champion in freestyle skiing.
- Anna Gasser (Austria), a two-time Olympic gold medalist in snowboarding.
- Arthur Bauchet (France) and Adam Žampa (Slovakia) in Alpine skiing.
- Top figure skaters Alysa Liu and Ilia Malinin from the USA.

Collectively, these athletes demonstrate the spirit of openness through their unique stories and diverse backgrounds. They inspire fans worldwide, showcasing how an open-minded approach can enhance performance, both in sports and everyday life.

Athlete Highlights

Ian Matteoli describes his openness as a form of bold creativity. Recently achieving a historic frontside 2160 trick, he exemplifies a commitment to both competitive excellence and innovative expression. Growing up in a family of snowboarders, he navigated through injuries and is focused on his performance at the upcoming Games.

"Snowboarding is not just a sport for me; it’s part of life itself. The challenges I overcame have deepened my love for this sport and have reshaped how I approach both snowboarding and life, inspired by the open mindset that Samsung embodies," said Matteoli.

Mike Schultz, who has faced life-altering challenges, demonstrates the resilience that openness can foster. After a tragic accident, he redesigned his prosthetic leg to compete at the highest levels. With multiple Paralympic medals to his name, he shows how openness towards new ideas can transform obstacles into opportunities. "Without creativity, I wouldn't be where I am now. Team Samsung Galaxy represents a community that supports innovation in how we train and recover," he stated.

Alex Hall, who has broadened his horizons by launching a ski film brand, integrates artistic expression with technical skill in freestyle skiing. "As a member of Team Samsung Galaxy, I feel a sense of pride in representing a brand that connects athletes with communities around the world. Sports have no boundaries, and Samsung’s technology enables us to express ourselves everywhere, beyond just competition," he expressed.

Minjeong Choi, a dual Olympic gold medalist in short track speed skating, has been recognized for her leadership and inspiration to the next generation of skaters. "Being part of Team Samsung Galaxy is an opportunity to share stories of positivity and possibilities through sports. I look forward to inspiring others as we head to Milan-Cortina 2026," she remarked.

The Road Ahead to Milan-Cortina 2026

Samsung's ongoing commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic movements is underscored by the launch of Team Samsung Galaxy. As the world gears up for Milan-Cortina 2026, Samsung will highlight the authentic stories of athletes, going beyond mere results to showcase the essence of being open.

With cutting-edge technology as a bridge connecting athletes, fans, and communities, Samsung reiterates its commitment to the spirit of 'openness.' For additional insights into Samsung's initiatives and updates related to Milan-Cortina 2026, stay tuned as we move forward in this journey.

Samsung's Legacy at the Olympics

Samsung has served as a worldwide partner of the Olympics since the 1998 Nagano Winter Games. Over nearly 30 years, athletes and fans have shared the Olympic spirit through Samsung's innovative mobile technology. Moving forward to Milan-Cortina 2026 and beyond, Samsung will continue to revolutionize the digital experience at the Olympic Games. As its support for the Olympic movement enters its fourth decade with plans extending to the Los Angeles 2028 Games, Samsung's meaningful innovations in AI, VR, AR, and 5G will significantly shape how audiences experience the Olympics.

Samsung and the Paralympics

As a worldwide partner of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Samsung’s support of the Paralympic movement has been ongoing since the 2006 Torino Winter Games. Continually advancing possibilities through innovative technology, Samsung provides a platform for athletes and fans to share in the emotions and inspiration stemming from these competitions. The commitment continues through to the Los Angeles 2028 Games, ensuring revolutionary experiences shaped by meaningful innovations in mobile technology related to digital health and communications.