The Olympics as a Cultural Mirror

The Olympic games have long been a place for athletes from around the world to come together and compete on the largest and most popular stage. Not only do they present their individual skill, but also pride for their heritage and origins. The media outreach to nearly all corners of the globe means participating countries use the Olympics not only as a way to display their athletic prowess, but also as an opportunity to promote their cultural and national identities. 

Every two (or four) years, the Olympic opening ceremony features a parade with the entrance of each country’s athletes and flag bearers. The parade begins with Greece, the birthplace of the games, and ends with the host country. This time around, at the 2026 Milano Cortina parade, the world focused its eyes not at the hordes of athletes from the USA and other powerhouse athletic nations, rather at Haiti. This year, just two athletes represented the small Caribbean nation not known for snow or ice. The thing that caught everyone’s eye? The stunning jackets and dress of the two skiers and the dress of the flagbearer. The men's jacket and women’s puffer skirt feature a red horse against the stunning green and blue backdrop of Haiti. were the only handpainted uniforms of the entire competition. Designed by Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean, the design emanates the work of Haitian painter Édouard Duval-Carrié and she says it is “the very symbol of Haitian spirit,”. Unfortunately, no female athletes were delegated this year, but their uniforms would also include a traditional Haitian tignon headwrap. 

Similarly, freestyle skier Eileen Gu representing China sported her custom outfit, a detailed jacket in the blue and white of Chinese porcelain, on an asian wingless dragon. Furthermore, athletes reflect their countries’ values. Gu specifically represents the inclusivity of girls to freestyle skiing and sports in general in both China, of which she is a citizen and spent time in growing up, and the USA, where she was born and trains.  The athletes battle, compete, and triumph in front of the world, all while having their country’s name and image up on the podium with them. 

When the world focuses its attention on a country, it is integral that the host country maintains a positive image, showing the world its unique culture. During the Fantasia performance this year numerous tributes were made to Italian art, music, and history. Performers dressed head to toe in colorful costumes as composers, artists, architectural landmarks, and other whimsical things danced to “Italian Fantasia” by Dardust (Dario Faini). The show not only displayed icons of Italian culture, but also the country’s logistical and artistic capability to host such an important event. 

As the world continues to advance in connectivity, technology, and inclusion, an increasing number of athletes will choose to represent an equally increasing number of countries, contributing to the cultural melting pot of the Olympics.

Sources:

Olympics.com. Winter Olympics 2026: The Story Behind the Design of Haiti’s Stunning Olympic Uniforms. Milano Cortina 2026. Accessed February 2026. https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/news/winter-olympics-2026-the-story-behind-the-design-of-haiti-s-stunning-olympic-uniforms

NBCOlympics.com. Eileen Gu Makes Waves With Personalized Ski Suit During Freeski Slopestyle Qualification. Accessed February 2026. https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/eileen-gu-makes-waves-livigno-personalized-ski-suit-during-freeski-slopestyle-qualification 

Olympics.com. The Olympic Opening Ceremony. Milano Cortina 2026. Accessed February 2026. https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/ceremonies/the-olympic-opening-ceremony