Kenyan marathon great Eliud Kipchoge said he is honoured to be named one of the Olympic flagbearers during Friday’s opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games.

The 41-year-old is one of eight bearers who will carry the Olympic flag into Milan’s San Siro Olympic Stadium.

“Being a flagbearer is a huge opportunity for me, a good opportunity to tell the story of the values the Olympics focus on. It’s a good opportunity for me as a Kenyan and an African to hold the flag and represent people who value integrity and love sport in their hearts and minds,” Kipchoge told Xinhua via video on Thursday.

Kenya will be represented by two athletes at Milan-Cortina 2026: Alpine skiers Sabrina Simader and Issa Laborde. The former world marathon record holder urged them to give their best.

“I wish the two Kenyans, Issa and Sabrina, all the best. I will really hype them. I am here for them. I will be on the side-lines, telling them to press on, focus and fight for their place,” Kipchoge said.

“This is the Olympics, and they need to show their talent during these Winter Games. I usually say no human is limited at all. They should fight for their position, fight for their life and fight for the sport,” he added.

Kipchoge retired from competitive running after finishing 17th in the 2025 New York Marathon on November 2.

• A Tell Media / Xinhua