Olympic Medals Revealed for Milan-Cortina Games
The organisers of the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Milan Cortina have revealed a striking medal design that symbolises unity, sustainability, and the dual nature of the host cities.
The medals, crafted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, an Italian national mint, consist of two interlocking halves, one smooth and one textured, which fit together like puzzle pieces. This design represents the merging of different elements, such as Milan and Cortina, urban and alpine environments, or Olympic and Paralympic Games.
One side of the medal features the iconic Olympic rings or Paralympic Agitos, while the reverse is engraved with the event and location, adding a personal touch to each medal. The gold medals for the Games weigh 500 grammes and have a diameter and thickness of 80mm and 10mm respectively.
The medal design celebrates the strength found in difference, with two unique halves joining through the Olympic and Paralympic symbols. It emphasises the idea that victory is not solitary but is achieved through collective effort and support. The design highlights the unity of athletes and their teams, as well as the shared identity of Milan and Cortina as host cities.
The medals are a testament to Italian design and heritage, blending artistic tradition with modern production techniques. They are also eco-friendly, crafted from recycled metals and produced using renewable energy, reflecting an eco-conscious approach to the Games.
Federica Pellegrini, a champion swimmer from Italy, was chosen to front the presentation of the medals in Venice. Raffaella Panie, the brand director of the organising committee, explained that the medal design represents purity and a return to essence.
The story told by the medals is influenced by the athletes, Para athletes, coaches, teammates, family members, and fans. The medals for both the Olympics and Paralympics will total 1,146.
In the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, over 200 medals discoloured due to oxidisation, and the French mint (Monnaie de Paris) promised to replace them. The organisers of the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics have ensured that their medals will not suffer from a similar issue, promising a lasting symbol of achievement for the athletes.
The Winter Olympics will run from February 6 to February 22, while the Paralympics will take place between March 6 and March 15. The medals for the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics are set to be a lasting symbol of unity, sustainability, and collective achievement, embodying the spirit of the games.
Sports enthusiasts will be thrilled to compete for the medals, crafted to symbolize unity and sustainability, at the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The medals, designed to celebrate strength and collective effort, will total 1,146 for both events.
