OLYMPICS / Record 10 Taiwanese athletes qualify for 2026 Olympic Winter Games

Taipei, Jan. 21 (CNA) Taiwan will be represented by a record 10 athletes across seven sports at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Milan, including the country's first-ever women's bobsleigh team, the Ministry of Sports announced Wednesday.

At a press event on Wednesday, the Ministry of Sports unveiled the full roster of athletes qualified for the Games, which are scheduled to begin on Feb. 6.

The athletes include men's figure skater Li Yu-hsiang (李宇翔), women's speed skater Chen Ying-chu (陳映竹), men's alpine skier Troy Samuel Chang (張天將) and women's alpine skier Lee Wen-yi (李玟儀), the ministry said.

Other members of team Taiwan include women's cross-country skier Sophia Velicer (余睿), men's cross-country skier Lee Chieh-han (李杰翰), skeleton athlete Peng Lin-wei (彭林煒), and the women's bobsleigh team composed of Lin Sin-rong (林欣蓉), Liang Yu-chieh (梁宥婕) and Lin Song-en (林頌恩), according to the ministry.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Hung Chih-chang (洪志昌) noted that because of the lack of winter sports resources at home, Taiwanese athletes have long relied on training and competing abroad to prepare for the Games.

Hung emphasized that it is no small feat for Taiwan to have six women and four men qualify for the winter games, and he encouraged the athletes to enjoy the experience.

To ensure the team is fully supported, the 10 athletes will be backed by eight coaches and 19 staff members, including medical and equipment specialists, to meet all logistical and health needs, the ministry said.