Members of the delegation of China parade during the closing ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Verona Olympic Arena in Verona, Italy, Feb. 22, 2026. Photo:VCG

The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council on Monday sent a congratulatory message to the Chinese delegation for the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, commending the delegation for achieving its best-ever results at an overseas Winter Olympic Games - a total of 15 medals, including five gold, four silver and six bronze, according to Xinhua News Agency. 

The message of congratulations noted that the Chinese delegation has vigorously carried forward Chinese sportsmanship, competed with one heart and one mind, and demonstrated tenacity and superb skills. "You have competed fairly, exchanged amicably, and enhanced friendship with athletes from all countries and regions around the world, once again showcasing China's strength, spirit and image in the new era to the world and further inspiring the patriotic enthusiasm and striving spirit of Chinese people at home and abroad," read the message.

China sent 126 athletes to Milan Cortina, competing across seven sports and 91 events, making it the largest delegation China has ever sent with the most extensive event participation at an overseas Winter Games, according to Xinhua News Agency.

After Gu Ailing and Li Fanghui secured a 1-2 finish in the women's freeski halfpipe on the final competition day, China capped its Milan Cortina Winter Olympics campaign with its best result at an overseas Games, surpassing the previous 5-2-4 record in Vancouver 2010.

In addition to the record-breaking performance, Chinese athletes left the audience with a number of heartfelt stories that made this Winter Olympics particularly memorable. 

After winning the gold medal, Gu broke down in tears after learning that her grandmother had passed away. She said at the press conference, "I didn't promise her that I was going to win, but I did promise her that I was going to be brave like she has been." That promise, she said, became the defining thread of her Olympic campaign, the source of the willingness to take risks, to bet on herself, to compete in three events with minimal halfpipe preparation.

Su Yiming, the flagbearer for China at Sunday's closing ceremony, won the men's snowboard slopestyle on his 22nd birthday, earning China its first gold of the Games, 12 days after the opening ceremony.

"When the national anthem played, that was the second time I lost control of my emotions," Su said after his win. "After taking bronze in big air, I told myself only gold would allow our anthem to be played. In an international competition like this, letting the world hear China's anthem means everything," he said, per Xinhua.

In one of the most touching moments of the Games, five-time Olympian Xu Mengtao sprinted over from the sidelines to give a big hug to her husband Wang Xindi, who had just landed steadily in the men's freestyle skiing aerials final on February 20. Just two days earlier, on the same slope, Xu claimed the title with 112.90 points, becoming the first athlete in Olympic history to successfully defend an Olympic women's aerials title. 

Two days later, her husband Wang matched her feat with a gold medal of his own. The pair became the first couple to win gold medals in the same sport at the same Winter Olympics.

Another standout moment came on February 19. Chinese speed skater Ning Zhongyan upset pre-race favorite Jordan Stolz of the US to win the men's 1,500m with a new Olympic record of 1:41.98, breaking a century-long dominance by European and American athletes in the event.

"Jordan was like a mountain blocking my road," Ning said. "But today, at the Olympics, I crossed over this big mountain and I saw the view, the skyline is beautiful."

"For Asia, I think this medal showed that we are not weak in this event. We can win gold medals too. Also, for everyone on China's speed skating team, including the staff and athletes, it's something to feel very proud of, and it gives us great motivation," Ning told Xinhua.

Global Times