Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic torch unveiled in Italy and Japan

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic torches debuted in Milan and Osaka, marking a major step toward next year's Winter Games.

The Olympic torch for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games is displayed during the unveiling ceremony in Milan on April 14, 2025. Photo by Marco Bertorello/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic torch was unveiled in a dual ceremony held simultaneously in Milan and Osaka on Monday, marking an important milestone as Italy prepares to host the Winter Games next year. The flame carriers, unveiled with fanfare and national pride, represent not only the start of the countdown to the Games but also a modern design ethos centered around sustainability and elegance.

The presentation of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic torch took place at the Triennale design museum in Milan, where former Olympic cross-country skiing champion Stefania Belmondo and two-time Paralympic wheelchair fencing gold medalist Beatrice Vio presented the new designs. At the same time, a mirrored unveiling was held at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, reflecting the international reach of the upcoming Games.

A flame that blends tradition and innovation

Created by Carlo Ratti Associati, a renowned design studio based in Turin, the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic torch is crafted from recycled aluminum, reflecting Italy’s commitment to sustainability. The Olympic version shines in light blue, while the Paralympic counterpart appears in bronze. Both are designed to elevate the flame—both literally and symbolically—placing it prominently above the athlete's head and away from their face.

Beatrice Vio, in her typical witty fashion, took a playful jab at previous torch designs, saying, "The torches used last year in Paris practically went in my face. Thanks for being concerned about people's faces this time!" Her remarks drew laughter and applause from the audience, underscoring the friendly and inclusive tone of the event.

The design not only incorporates functionality and aesthetics but also ties back to a broader Olympic value—respect for athletes' comfort and dignity. By using recycled materials, the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic torch also sends a strong message about environmental responsibility, aligning the Games with global sustainability goals.

The journey of the Olympic flame

The torch will be officially lit at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece, on November 26, 2025—a tradition deeply rooted in ancient customs. The symbolic lighting ceremony marks the beginning of the flame’s journey, first to Athens for a handover on December 4, and then to Rome on December 6, when the Italian leg of the torch relay officially begins.

From Rome, the flame will travel through cities, towns, and snow-covered mountain landscapes, eventually making its way to Milan on February 5, 2026—just one day before the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. The final stretch of the relay will culminate at the iconic San Siro stadium, the home ground of Italian football powerhouses Inter Milan and AC Milan, where the world’s eyes will be watching as Italy welcomes the globe to its snowy stages.

A Games that spans the north of Italy

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games will be unique in their geographic scope, spanning multiple cities and mountain resorts across northern Italy. Milan, known more for fashion and finance than snow sports, will host many of the urban events, while the alpine competitions will unfold in Cortina d'Ampezzo—a storied ski town nestled near the Austrian border.

Cortina, which hosted the Winter Games back in 1956, is no stranger to Olympic glory. Now, seventy years later, it will once again play a key role in the global sporting spectacle. Other venues will include Bormio, Livigno, and Antholz, spreading the events across a broad region, encouraging both national engagement and logistical efficiency. This decentralized model also aims to reduce the environmental footprint of the Games while stimulating regional economies.

Symbolism beyond sport

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic torch is more than a tool to carry fire; it is a beacon of unity, resilience, and renewal. In an era increasingly shaped by climate change, technological advancement, and global polarization, the torch stands as a reminder of shared values and cooperative spirit.

The dual unveiling in Milan and Osaka also reflects Italy’s effort to boost its global presence and engage international audiences ahead of the Games. Japan, which hosted the Summer Olympics in 2021 under challenging pandemic conditions, is a fitting partner in this symbolic gesture, representing mutual respect and solidarity between two Olympic nations.

The road to 2026

With less than a year to go before the flame is lit in Greece, preparations are accelerating. Infrastructure is being updated, volunteers are being trained, and athletes are deep in training camps across the globe. The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games promise not only world-class competition but also a celebration of culture, design, and innovation.

Events like the torch unveiling serve as markers along the journey, bringing the abstract concept of the Olympics into tangible form—one that can be held, seen, and felt by the public. As the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic torch begins its long journey toward the opening ceremony, anticipation grows among fans, athletes, and organizers alike.

The world will be watching when the flame arrives at San Siro, its high position in the torch symbolic of a new Olympic chapter ready to ignite. For now, with the torches finally revealed, the spirit of the Games is no longer on the horizon—it has officially begun.