Africa sent its largest-ever contingent to the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics—14 athletes across eight nations, more than double Beijing’s turnout. Although no medals were won, several athletes delivered encouraging performances and valuable experience. Madagascar’s Mialitiana Clerc became the first African woman to compete at three Winter Games, completing every single run across all appearances. South Africa fielded five athletes, its biggest team yet, including teenagers Thomas Weir and Lara Markthaler—the latter finishing as the continent’s top alpine skier. First-time participants Benin and Guinea-Bissau also made history by debuting athletes at the Games. Meanwhile, veterans from Eritrea and Nigeria closed out notable Olympic careers, highlighting the continent’s growing presence in winter sports. The expanding participation signals steady progress as African nations continue to build competitive winter sports programs.
Olympics
