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The opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics delivered a historic moment for Nigeria as Maryam Bukar Hassan, the acclaimed poet known as Alhanislam, became the country’s first-ever Olympic flag bearer.
While athletes traditionally march behind their national flags, the Olympic flag is reserved for individuals who reflect the movement’s highest ideals, including global influence, cultural connection, and sustained advocacy.
Maryam joined an elite group that included marathon great Eliud Kipchoge and gymnastics star Rebeca Andrade, placing her among some of the world’s most respected figures.
Dressed in a custom Giorgio Armani outfit that embodied understated elegance, Maryam entered the iconic San Siro stadium not as an athlete but as a United Nations Global Advocate for Peace.
Her appearance highlighted the power of language and culture, proving that influence at the Olympics extends beyond sporting achievement, even at the Winter Games.
Sharing the experience on Instagram, Maryam offered a personal look into her time in Italy through a carefully curated video.
The footage blended moments of emotion, reflection and high fashion against Milan’s cityscape.
In one scene, she stood in quiet contemplation within the Gothic splendour of the Duomo di Milano. In another, she prepared backstage, her expression reflecting the weight and significance of the moment as she stepped into the spotlight.
Under the name Alhanislam, Maryam has spent years using spoken word poetry to challenge stereotypes and advocate for girls’ education in Nigeria.
Although the Winter Games have now begun, her symbolic walk continues to resonate across Nigeria’s digital space.
Commentators and cultural critics have praised the International Olympic Committee for recognising that global impact does not always come through medals, but through courage, voice and the willingness to challenge injustice.
