Over six decades since an African nation made its Winter Olympics debut, the continent's first medal remains elusive. Can any of the eight in Milan-Cortina achieve medal success?

From the House of Federations in Cotonou to the Italian Alps, national Olympic committee President Julien Minavoa announced the country's first appearance at the Winter Games, outlining key dates, calling for reforms,

There are 206 National Olympic Committees worldwide, which are devised by the IOC and the International Sport Federation. These two organizations are the sole authorities who come together to recognize NOCs for the official Summer and Winter Games.

Even though the Olympics connect the global village, the Winter Games remain a distant dream for Africa, a continent where snow and ice are hard to find. Winter sports face high barriers from the start.

From high-tech gear to PFAS-free waxes and precision ice making, materials and chemistry advances define the Milan Cortina games