Kirsty Coventry delivers her speech during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic opening ceremony. (Photo Credit: IOC/John Huet)
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics opened Friday night. And like all Opening Ceremonies, they are productions to behold, and Friday nights was no different. But what was different was that the opening speech from the newly elected International Olympic Committee President was from one of our own this time, 2023 ISHOF Honor Swimmer, Kirsty Coventry.
It was the first time opening an Olympic Games for Coventry and in case you missed it, we wanted to bring it to you in its entirety because everyone in the world of swimming is so proud of Kirsty ~ the speech was uniting, uplifting and full of hope. Below you will find her speech in its entirety from Friday night, as she welcomed everyone to the Winter Olympics. Kirsty called on people to care for each other, celebrate the joys that sport can provide, and to live with the Olympic spirit in mind.
Bravo Kirsty!
My fellow Olympians,
Whether you are here in Milano, in Cortina, Predazzo or Livigno: welcome to your Games.
This is your moment.
I know what it feels like – that mix of excitement and nerves. Your whole life of hard work, of early mornings, long days, sacrifices, setbacks – it all comes down to this. I know that feeling, when you realise – this is it. You’ve made it.
So first, be proud. Be proud of how far you’ve come. And now, take it all in. Enjoy it. Enjoy every second.
Over the next two weeks, you’re going to give us something truly special.
You’ll show us what it means to be human. To dream. To overcome. To respect one another. To care for each other.
You’ll show us that strength isn’t just about winning – it’s about courage, empathy and heart.
You will not only make incredible memories. You will reach your Olympic dreams – and you will show the world how to live.
This is why we all love the Olympic Games. Because through you, we see the very best of ourselves. You remind us that we can be brave. That we can be kind. And that we can get back up, no matter how hard we fall.
And to everyone watching, here in Italy and around the world – thank you for joining this moment. Thank you for believing in the magic of the Olympic Games.
In Africa, where I’m from, we have a word: ubuntu. It means: I am because we are. That we can only rise by lifting others. That our strength comes from caring for each other.
No matter where you come from, we all know this spirit – it lives and breathes in every community.
I see this spirit most clearly at the Olympic Games. Where athletes from every corner of our world compete fiercely – but they also respect, support and inspire one another. They remind us that we are all connected, that our strength comes from how we treat each other, and that the best of humanity is found in courage, compassion and kindness.
So let these Games be a celebration of what unites us – of everything that makes us human.
This is the magic of the Olympic Games: inspiring us all to be the best that we can be – together.
Tonight, we are grateful to our gracious hosts, the Italian people, who set this spectacular Olympic stage with such passion and care.
When I was an athlete, this was always my most favourite moment. Watching that flame light up in the night – that’s when I knew the Games were real. Now it’s your turn, my fellow Olympians. Now it’s your moment. It’s your Games.
We cannot wait to watch you, to cheer for you, to be inspired by you. To see your courage. Your strength. To see the best of humanity shine before the world.
Let your flame spark hope, let it ignite joy and light the way for all of us.
Grazie mille. Thank you.
~Kirsty Coventry, President, IOC