Core Viewpoint - The 2026 Milan Winter Olympics will see the largest Chinese delegation in history, with 126 athletes participating in various events, but the domestic market's attention is less than previous Olympics [1][2]. Group 1: Athlete Participation and Brand Engagement - The Chinese sports delegation for the Milan Winter Olympics consists of 126 athletes, with an average age of 25, competing in 7 major events and 91 sub-events, marking the largest scale for China in an overseas Winter Olympics [1]. - Compared to the Beijing Winter Olympics, the interest in the Milan Winter Olympics is lower, with major streaming platforms like Kuaishou and Douyin yet to announce broadcasting rights [1][2]. - Brands such as TCL, Mengniu, and Alibaba are actively engaging in marketing campaigns ahead of the Winter Olympics, indicating a focus on Olympic marketing despite the overall cautious approach from many brands [1][2]. Group 2: Key Athletes and Their Commercial Value - Gu Ailing and Su Yiming are highlighted as the most prominent athletes, with Gu Ailing achieving significant commercial success, ranking fourth in Forbes' list of highest-earning female athletes with an annual income of $23.1 million (approximately 160 million RMB) [4]. - Su Yiming has also gained considerable brand attention, with 11 endorsements across various sectors, including beverages and luxury goods, following his success at the Beijing Winter Olympics [6]. - Xu Mengtao, another key athlete, has expanded her brand partnerships significantly after her Olympic success, signing with brands like UTO and Geely [8]. Group 3: Emerging Athletes and Marketing Opportunities - The article identifies several emerging athletes with potential for brand partnerships, including Yang Jingru, Wang Ziyang, and Zhang Xiaonan, who have shown promising performances in their respective sports [12][14][16][18]. - The presence of these athletes provides brands with opportunities to engage in Olympic marketing, as they possess both competitive potential and marketability [12][14][16][18]. - The article emphasizes that brands can benefit from associating with both established stars and rising talents to maximize their marketing impact during the Olympics [12][14][16][18].