That shift is particularly significant at a time when many cities remain reluctant to bid for mega-events because of concerns over cost, complexity and public support. By adapting the Games to the host region, rather than expecting the host to reshape itself around the Games, Milano Cortina may have created a template capable of making future Olympic Winter Games more accessible and financially sustainable.

The IOC itself continues to strengthen its sustainability credentials. In the recently published GSS SPI Index, the organisation is ranked among the Top 25 most purposeful sports organisations globally, achieving a Purpose Advanced (C+) SPI Rating—recognising its growing commitment to embedding sustainability, governance and long-term impact across the Olympic Movement.

Redefining sustainable event delivery

Perhaps the strongest message from the report is that sustainability is no longer treated as a standalone objective but as a principle underpinning event design. Eighty-five per cent of competition venues were existing or temporary facilities, nearly all venues operated using renewable electricity and more than 24,000 pieces of equipment were reused from Paris 2024. The result was a significant reduction in environmental impact while maintaining world-class competition standards.

Kristin Kloster, Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission, captured the significance of the achievement:

“It showed that the Games can adapt to the host, rather than the host adapting to the Games. This is a fundamental shift – and one that broadens the feasibility of future Olympic Winter Games.”

The report also highlights that the Games are expected to generate more than €5 billion in economic impact, support over 36,000 jobs and accelerate almost 100 infrastructure projects aligned with long-term regional priorities. More than 315 community initiatives and over two million young people participating in the Gen26 education programme demonstrate that the legacy extended well beyond competition itself.

Innovation beyond the field of play

Milano Cortina 2026 also pushed the Olympic Winter Games forward from a sporting perspective. Women represented a record 47 per cent of athletes, while the programme featured its highest-ever number of women’s events. Ski mountaineering made its Olympic debut, and athletes produced one world record alongside 13 Olympic records. Approximately 2.6 billion people followed the Games worldwide, with record digital engagement reflecting the continuing global appeal of the Olympic brand.

The distributed model inevitably introduced operational complexity, demanding unprecedented collaboration between host regions, governments, international federations, National Olympic Committees and commercial partners. Yet the report concludes that these challenges were successfully overcome through early planning, coordinated governance and shared responsibility, creating valuable lessons for future hosts.

From legacy to learning

For Global Sustainable Sport, one of the most important aspects of the IOC’s report is its willingness to share both successes and practical lessons. Rather than presenting Milano Cortina 2026 simply as a celebration, the report is designed as a learning resource to help future organisers deliver more resilient, efficient and sustainable Games.

As Olympic sport continues to evolve, Milano Cortina 2026 demonstrates that sustainability is increasingly being measured not only by environmental commitments but by governance, collaboration, social value and lasting community impact. For hosts that embrace the principles outlined in this report, the Games may prove to be remembered not only for outstanding sporting performances, but for establishing a new benchmark in how major sporting events can be delivered in the future.