The universe: a symbol of the infinite possibilities of youth. The fourth edition of the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Gangwon 2024 begins under the banner of hope. The opening ceremony of the Olympic event dedicated to the world’s best under-18 athletes was staged at the Gangneung Oval, in the presence of the President of the Republic of South Korea, Yoon Suk-yeol, and the IOC leadership, led by President Thomas Bach. Also present in Gangneung to cheer on the Italian team were CONI President and IOC member, Giovanni Malagò, and Secretary General Carlo Mornati. On the ice that hosted the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games, Gangwon 2024 is celebrating its origins by intertwining them with K-Culture, the pop music that has transcended national borders to establish itself in the world. “Now it is your turn,” said Bach, recalling the Games six years ago, “now it is your time to experience this first Olympic event.”

The Italian flag-bearer, Flora Tabanelli, a rising freeski star, made her entrance into the Oval at 8:27 p.m. Korean time, 12:27 p.m. in Italy, together with the flag-bearers of Iran and Ukraine. A parade of colours and flags from the 78 National Olympic Committees competing with 1,802 athletes.

Before Tabanelli, at the start of the ceremony, most of the 74 athletes of the Italia Team paraded, members of a young and ambitious team that wants to assert itself in the 13 out of 15 disciplines in which it will be competing from tomorrow (there will be no Azzurri in bobsleigh and skeleton). The first medals are up for grabs as early as the Korean morning, in the luge with the women's singles and men's doubles and the women's and men's NH jump. Then, to follow, the Azzurri will compete for the podium in the biathlon (women's and men's individual), short track (women's and men's 1500 m) and women's and men's snowboard cross. In the Olympic universe, the Italy Team is looking for its new stars.

Photo (c) 2024 - International Olympic Committee / Wander Roberto - All Rights Reserved. In partnership with ANOC