Cross-country skier Matthew Smith (35) and skeleton athlete Nicole Burger (31) will carry the South African flag at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy today, 6 February.
The pair are the oldest members of a five-athlete delegation, the largest team South Africa has sent to a Winter Games. All five will be competing at their first senior-level Winter Olympics.
The South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (Sascoc) announced the flag bearers ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 opening ceremony.
Sascoc president Barry Hendricks congratulated the athletes. “I’m delighted that we have five worthy athletes representing Team SA. Congratulations to all ahead of their first Winter Olympics, and a special note of congratulations to Matthew and Nicole who will carry our flag. It’s a huge life milestone for any athlete to lead their nation at the opening ceremony of any Games,” he said.
Sascoc chief executive Nozipho Jafta said the team’s presence has attracted significant media attention locally and internationally. “We believe that this will push a lot more of our South African youngsters to dream bigger. We look forward to seeing them all donning the green and gold of Team SA on Friday,” she said.
Smith and Burger were both born in South Africa before relocating overseas to qualify for the Games. The other three team members were born abroad: Malica Malherbe (21) from British Columbia, Lara Markthaler (18) from Germany, and Thomas Weir (17) from Switzerland.
The expanded delegation reflects the growth of winter sport participation in South Africa and the development of pathways for future athletes.
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