China’s Winter Olympics Delegation Commended for Record Performance | Milan-Cortina 2026

BEIJING – The Chinese national Winter Olympics delegation received high praise Monday from the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council following a historic performance at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games. The delegation achieved its best-ever results in an overseas Winter Olympics, securing five gold, four silver, and six bronze medals.

The congratulatory message, released by Xinhua, lauded the athletes’ perseverance, sporting prowess, and commitment to fair play. It also highlighted their role in showcasing a positive image of China on the world stage and inspiring patriotic fervor both domestically, and abroad.

This year’s medal count represents a significant leap forward for China’s winter sports program. While specific details regarding individual performances weren’t included in the initial announcement, the overall success builds upon the momentum generated by hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. That event spurred massive investment in winter sports infrastructure and training programs across the country, aiming to engage 300 million people in winter sports – a goal the CPC and State Council referenced in their message to the delegation.

The message specifically acknowledged the delegation’s success in a variety of disciplines, including speed skating, short track speed skating, freestyle skiing (aerials, U-type, big air, and slopestyle), and snowboarding (big air and slopestyle). This broad success suggests a deepening of talent across multiple winter sports, moving beyond traditional strengths.

According to a separate report from the Chinese Olympic Committee, the delegation achieved a total of 49 top-eight finishes across all events, a 32.4% increase compared to the 2022 Beijing Games. This improvement indicates not only medal-winning performances but also increased competitiveness across a wider range of disciplines. The report also noted progress in sports like speed skating, steel rack bobsleigh, skeleton, ski jumping, and Nordic combined, suggesting a broadening of China’s winter sports base.

The CPC Central Committee and State Council’s message wasn’t solely focused on past achievements. It urged the delegation to continue striving for excellence, with a focus on building China into a “nation strong in sports.” This ambition extends beyond simply winning medals; it encompasses developing a robust and sustainable winter sports ecosystem, fostering talent, and solidifying China’s position as a leading force in the global winter sports community.

The emphasis on “moral gold medals, stylistic gold medals, and clean gold medals” underscores a commitment to ethical competition and sportsmanship. This aligns with broader efforts to promote positive values and national pride through athletic achievement. The delegation was commended for competing fairly and fostering friendly relationships with athletes from around the world, reinforcing China’s image as a responsible and engaged member of the international sporting community.

The success in Milan-Cortina is expected to further fuel the growth of winter sports participation within China. The “engaging 300 million people in winter sports” initiative, launched in conjunction with the Beijing Olympics, has already seen significant progress. The delegation’s performance is likely to inspire a new generation of athletes and enthusiasts, driving demand for winter sports facilities and programs.

Looking ahead, China will likely continue to invest heavily in winter sports development, focusing on strengthening existing programs and expanding into new disciplines. The country’s ambition is clear: to become a dominant force in winter sports, both on and off the field of play. The Milan-Cortina 2026 Games have provided a significant boost to that ambition, demonstrating the tangible results of sustained investment and a commitment to excellence.

The message concluded with encouragement for the Olympians to contribute to the broader goals of national rejuvenation and modernization through Chinese modernization, framing their athletic achievements as part of a larger national narrative of progress and development.