The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are not just about fierce competition and dazzling athleticism—they’re also about creating new traditions that bring athletes and fans closer together. One such tradition, the ‘Victory Selfie,’ has rapidly taken center stage at this year’s Games, capturing the very heart of Olympic celebration and camaraderie. On February 10, 2026, athletes mounting the podiums across Milan and Cortina found themselves reaching for a special piece of technology: the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition, provided by Samsung Electronics, to immortalize their triumphs in a way that’s both personal and instantly shareable.
The Victory Selfie isn’t just a fleeting trend. First introduced at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, this unique ritual quickly became a fan favorite. Athletes, fresh from the thrill of competition, would gather on the podium—sometimes still breathless from their efforts—and snap a group selfie, capturing the pure joy of victory. According to Samsung Electronics, “The moment on the Olympic podium condenses years of training, perseverance, and self-belief, and the Victory Selfie turns this short, intense moment into a meaningful and iconic part of the awards ceremony culture.” This year, the tradition has expanded beyond its initial focus on individual and pair events. Now, every Olympic event, including team competitions, features the Victory Selfie as an official part of the celebration.
What’s more, the experience isn’t limited to those standing atop the podium. Thanks to real-time broadcast technology, fans both in the stadium and watching from home can witness these Victory Selfie moments as they unfold. Stadium screens light up with jubilant faces, and television audiences get a front-row seat to the spontaneous joy that defines the Olympic spirit. The move has been widely praised for making the Games feel more accessible and intimate—after all, who doesn’t love seeing athletes celebrate together, phones in hand, grinning from ear to ear?
The impact of the Victory Selfie was on full display during the biathlon mixed relay 4x6km event, where the Italian team (silver medalists), the French team (gold medalists), and the German team (bronze medalists) all gathered for a group shot using the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition. The image, instantly beamed onto the stadium’s giant screen and broadcast worldwide, captured a moment of unity and joy that transcended national rivalries. The athletes’ smiles said it all: this was a victory worth remembering, not just for the medals, but for the shared experience.
Samsung Electronics, the driving force behind this cultural shift, emphasized the significance of these moments. “Victory Selfie is now an iconic culture of the awards ceremony, allowing athletes to record the moment of victory in a way that is familiar to them,” the company stated. Indeed, the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition has become more than just a smartphone—it’s a symbol of the new Olympic ethos, blending tradition with modernity, and making every winner’s journey feel a bit more personal.
But the excitement doesn’t stop at the podium. The Olympic calendar is packed with events that promise to deliver more unforgettable moments—and, no doubt, more Victory Selfies. On February 11, 2026, fans can look forward to a diverse slate of competitions featuring some of Korea’s brightest stars and other international talents. All times listed are in Korean Standard Time, highlighting the global reach and coordination required for an event of this scale.
The action kicks off at 1:00 AM at the Cortina Sliding Center with the women’s singles luge 3rd and 4th runs. Jeong Hye-seon, a standout Korean athlete, will be vying for a place on the podium, and with the Victory Selfie now a fixture, fans are eager to see if she’ll have the chance to capture her moment of triumph on camera. Luge, a sport known for its blistering speed and razor-thin margins, always delivers edge-of-your-seat drama—will tonight be Jeong’s night?
Shortly after, at 2:30 AM, the Milan Ice Skating Arena will host the men’s singles short program in figure skating. All eyes will be on Korean skaters Cha Jun-hwan and Kim Hyun-kyum as they take to the ice, each hoping to dazzle the judges and the crowd with their artistry and technical prowess. Figure skating has long been a marquee event at the Winter Games, and this year’s competition is no exception. With the stakes high and the field packed with talent, the short program is sure to set the stage for a dramatic final—and maybe even a show-stopping Victory Selfie or two.
Later in the day, the snowboarding women’s halfpipe qualifiers will get underway at 6:30 PM at Livigno Snow Park. Choi Ga-on and Lee Na-yoon, representing Korea, are set to compete against a world-class field. Snowboarding’s halfpipe is always a crowd-pleaser, with athletes pushing the limits of gravity and style. The anticipation is palpable—could we see a breakthrough performance and another memorable selfie moment?
Freestyle skiing fans won’t have to wait long for their turn, as the women’s moguls second qualifiers begin at 7:00 PM, followed by the finals at 10:15 PM at Livigno Aerial Moguls Park. Yoon Shin-yi is set to represent Korea, aiming to navigate the bumps and jumps with speed and flair. Moguls demand a unique blend of technical skill and fearlessness, and Yoon’s supporters are eager to see her rise to the occasion.
Meanwhile, at the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, the women’s 15 km individual biathlon event will commence at 10:15 PM. Ekaterina Abbamukova will be among the athletes to watch, as she battles the clock and the elements in one of the most grueling tests of endurance at the Winter Games. Biathlon combines cross-country skiing with marksmanship, making it a true showcase of versatility and resilience.
With the Victory Selfie now woven into the fabric of Olympic celebration, every podium finish carries the promise of a new iconic image—one that fans around the world can share in real time. The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are proving that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand, creating memories that last a lifetime. As the competitions continue and new champions emerge, the world will be watching—not just for record-breaking performances, but for the moments of joy, unity, and self-expression that define the Olympic spirit.
As the Games roll on, the excitement in Milan and Cortina shows no sign of slowing down. Athletes are embracing the Victory Selfie as a way to celebrate their achievements and connect with fans everywhere. With a packed schedule and plenty of medal opportunities ahead, the world eagerly awaits the next unforgettable snapshot from the Olympic podium.