Norwegian Kristin Kloster, a member of the International Olympic Committee, highlights in an opinion published on Olympics.com how the Olympic Games offer a unique experience for athletes and fans alike: “The Olympic atmosphere always provides something different compared to other sporting events. And it is that from his role on the (OCOG) IOC Coordination Commission for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Kloster emphasizes the support they provide to the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games to realize their vision.
“Each organizer is different, but all adapt their strategies within the IOC framework to shape their edition of the Games.” This collaborative approach allows each edition to leave a unique footprint, aligned with the sustainability and legacy goals defined in Olympic Agenda 2020+5.
THE SUSTAINABILITY OF MILANO CORTINA 2026

Kristin Kloster (IOC)
One of the key defining aspects of Milano Cortina 2026 is its strong commitment to sustainability. Kloster stresses that “a big focus of their concept is to use existing venues and not build new ones that do not have a legacy prospect.” This approach marks a contrast to past editions, where it was common to build facilities without a clear plan for subsequent use.
In addition, the Milano Cortina OCOG has taken advantage of the Paris 2024 experience, sending a large delegation to learn from the innovative solutions implemented at the Summer Games. Although there are differences between the Winter and Summer Games, Kloster says that “there are many lessons from Paris that can be transformed and applied to the Milano Cortina concept.”
OLYMPIC LEGACY
Kristin Kloster sees the 2026 Winter Olympics as a benchmark for future organizers, including the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps. “One of the beauties of the Olympic Movement is the way each edition has something to offer the next.” This sharing of learnings ensures that the Games constantly evolve to meet the expectations of sustainability, technology and fan experience.
Kloster also highlights the importance of creating an event that the Italian population can remember fondly. Based on his experience at the 1994 Lillehammer Games, he notes that “they are still part of our identity.” His hope is that Milano Cortina 2026 will leave a similar legacy, strengthening national pride and promoting the development of the sport.