Czechia officially enters a new era of winter sports as the 2026 Winter Olympics kick off in Italy, with the country sending a record-breaking 114 athletes to Milan-Cortina. This marks the largest Olympic delegation in Czech history and signals a strong comeback after a disappointing Beijing 2022, where the nation secured only two medals. Czech officials and fans alike are hopeful that the expanded team will deliver one of the country’s most successful Winter Olympic performances.

The Games begin on Friday, February 6, with a unique split opening ceremony held simultaneously in Milan’s San Siro Stadium and in the mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. The dual celebration reflects the official Olympic theme “Armonia” (Harmony), symbolizing unity between urban and alpine venues across Italy.

Ice hockey remains the backbone of the Czech delegation and one of the strongest medal prospects. Both the men’s and women’s teams have qualified, accounting for 48 players in total. The men’s tournament draws particular attention, as NHL players return to the Olympics for the first time since 2014. Czech stars such as David Pastrňák, Martin Nečas, Tomáš Hertl, Ondřej Palát, and Radko Gudas headline the squad, many of whom played key roles in winning gold at the 2024 World Championships in Prague.

The women’s ice hockey team also enters the tournament with strong momentum, having secured bronze medals at the 2022 and 2023 world championships. The squad features several players competing in North America’s Professional Women’s Hockey League, including Kristýna Kaltounková and Aneta Tejralová, strengthening Czechia’s chances in the women’s competition.

Speed skating is another major focus, led by legendary athlete Martina Sáblíková, who will compete in her sixth and final Olympics. A three-time Olympic champion with seven Olympic medals, Sáblíková remains one of Czechia’s most decorated winter athletes. She is joined by Nikola Zdráhalová and 19-year-old Metoděj Jílek, whose rapid rise in long-distance events has made him one of the country’s most promising young medal hopes.