Pedro Sánchez receives the Spanish Olympic team returning from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games

President's News - 2026.2.25

The President of the Government of Spain received the Spanish representatives at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, led by the President of the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE), Alejandro Blanco. The meeting was also attended by the Minister for Education, Vocational Training and Sports, Milagros Tolón.

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

25/02/2026. The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, together with the members of the team participating in the Milano-Cortina Wint... The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, together with the members of the team participating in the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games (Pool Moncloa/César P.Sendra)

During his address to the athletes, Pedro Sánchez congratulated a team that "has made history" and is "a role model for many young people", at a very important moment for winter sports in Spain.

The president gave special recognition to the "new medallists" Oriol Cardona and Ana Alonso. "Your success lies not only in being the most decorated Spanish athletes at a Winter Olympic Games", he emphasised, "your success is courage, commitment, and perseverance".

He recalled that we had to wait 54 years to "break the barrier of winning a gold medal, since Paquito Fernández Ochoa's legendary victory in Sapporo", and therefore noted that Oriol Cardona "is already a legend of Spanish Olympic sport". Regarding Ana Alonso, he emphasised that we all strongly identify with her personal story and praised her "drive to overcome adversity" and her ability to achieve things "through hard work and sacrifice".

Finally, Pedro Sánchez stressed that the Government has tripled its investment in the three federations responsible for winter sports and that "our intention is to continue supporting" these sports.

Non official translation