Three countries are making their Winter Olympic debuts at the 2026 Games, the African nations of Benin and Guinea Bissau along with the United Arab Emirates. But the established winter sport nations such as Norway, the United States of America, Canada and Germany are looking to dominate the medal table once again. More than 3500 athletes from 93 countries will be competing for 195 medals at the Milan-Cortina Games. Eight African nations will be represented this time with Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa along with the two debutants taking part. South Africa is sending its largest ever team with five athletes, but over six decades since an African nation made its Winter Olympics debut, the continent's first medal remains elusive.

We speak to South Africa's sole cross-country skier Matt Smith and Simidele Adeagbo - the first Nigerian to compete at the Winter Olympics in 2018 and the first black female Olympian in the sport of Skeleton.

Every weekday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoresheet from all over the world of sport. To hear more, search for More than the Score wherever you get your BBC podcasts.