Won Yun-jong, the legendary Korean bobsledder and newly elected IOC Athlete Representative, was introduced on stage at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics. He secured the top spot in the athlete representative election, receiving overwhelming support. Won Yun-jong, a silver medalist at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, joins Moon Dae-sung and Seung Min RYU (current president of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee) as the third Korean to serve as an IOC Athlete Representative. He is also the first winter sports athlete from Korea to achieve this distinction. His term will last until the 2034 Utah Winter Olympics.

At the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, Kim Jae-yeol, President of the International Luge Federation (ISU) and IOC member, was elected to the IOC Executive Board. Simultaneously, Won Yun-jong, a Korean bobsleigh legend, was elected as an IOC Athlete Representative. This marks a significant increase in Korea's influence within the international sports community, with two Korean representatives now holding key positions. Kim's election to the Executive Board, which oversees crucial decisions including Olympic host city selection, is expected to benefit Korea's bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics. Won Yun-jong, the first winter sports athlete from Korea to be elected as an IOC Athlete Representative, aims to support athletes and promote their rights within the Olympic movement.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is facing criticism from Ukraine following the selection of a Russian national, Anastasia Kucherova, to carry the Ukraine placard during the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. The Ukrainian government has demanded an investigation and apology, citing a violation of Olympic principles and symbolic insensitivity given the ongoing conflict. This incident follows a previous controversy where a Ukrainian athlete was disqualified for a helmet displaying war-related imagery. The situation is further complicated by the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags, prompting Ukrainian officials to boycott the Paralympic Games.

Former Spanish basketball star Pau Gasol has been elected Chair of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission and will also join the IOC Executive Board. This appointment recognizes his growing influence within the Olympic Movement, where he already serves on the Ethics Commission and the Coordination Commission for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Gasol's transition from athlete to governance role highlights his commitment to representing athletes and promoting sport globally, alongside his work with the Gasol Foundation and various business ventures.

Former Korean bobsleigh star Yoon-jong Won has been elected to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes' Commission, becoming the first winter sports athlete from Korea to hold the position. He secured the top spot in the election, earning 1176 votes and will serve an eight-year term until the 2034 Winter Olympics. This follows Seung-min Ryu (table tennis) and Moon Dae-sung (taekwondo), and alongside Kim Jae-yeol (ISU President), Korea now has two IOC members. Won, who won a silver medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, has vowed to represent athletes and advocate for their rights within the IOC.