In a recent interview with the China Media Group, Luciano Buonfiglio, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee, lauded the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, while reminiscing about the lasting impressions that year's Games left on him.

Buonfiglio said: "In my view, sustainability means impact. What impact can the Olympic Games bring at the sports level? Countless young people are inspired to take up sports after witnessing the excellence of champions. This is the primary impact and the most fundamental sustainability of the Olympics – promoting sports culture and encouraging universal participation."

He highlighted the significance of social sustainability, emphasizing the need to foster values such as respect, inclusiveness, equality and the elimination of barriers in sports.

Reflecting on his memories of 2022, Buonfiglio recalled: "I still vividly remember the Beijing Olympics with great passion – not only because I was younger then, but also due to your exceptional organizational capabilities. I believe no country could have hosted the Olympics better than you did."

He also conveyed a desire to incorporate elements of the Beijing experience in Italy, particularly the efficiency, meticulousness, and warmth that characterized the event. "The consistent smiles of the people," Buonfiglio noted, "are precisely the precious gifts we hope to share from Beijing to Italy – the smile of a great nation."