Unveiled: Medals for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics reveal their designs
## Designing the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Medals: A Blend of Artistry and Reality
The medals for the upcoming Winter Olympics and Paralympics 2026, hosted by Milano and Cortina, Italy, are set to be a unique and meaningful artifact, combining artistic tradition with modern production techniques.
The design, led by Raffaella Paniè, reflects the essence of Italian design—simplicity, harmony, and symbolism—drawing inspiration from the avant-garde movements of the 1960s and 70s. Each medal is visibly split into two halves—one polished, the other frosted—symbolizing the union of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo as dual host cities. This design choice also represents the collaborative spirit necessary for athletic achievement, emphasizing that victory is always a collective, not solitary, effort.
The two halves join at an angle and bisect the Olympic rings, with subtly inclined surfaces and raised edges adding a sense of dynamism. The medals are double-sided and interlocking, further conveying the narrative of complementarity between the athlete and the wider support network. With a diameter of 80 mm, a thickness of 10 mm, and weighing 500 grams each, the medals are substantial physical objects. Gold and silver medals use high-quality 999.9 gold and 999 silver, respectively, while bronze medals are crafted from copper, referencing Italy’s rich architectural heritage.
The design carries deep symbolism, representing duality and unity, collective achievement, the Italian spirit, and minimalism and modernity. The surfaces of the medals are meant to tell a narrative shaped by the athletes and everyone who helped them get there.
The official Italian state mint, Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS), is responsible for the physical creation of the medals, ensuring both quality and sustainability in their production. The Mint, which combines the School of Medal Art and cutting-edge production, is proud to be part of this historic event.
Matteo Taglienti, representing Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, explains that each medal is a unique object rich with history and meaning. The medal design aims to reflect that victory is a collective moment built through strength, support, and unity.
Raffaella Paniè, Brand, Identity and Look of the Games Director for Milano Cortina 2026, led the design team behind the medal concept. She explains that they wanted the design to reflect the idea that victory is never a solitary moment—it's built through collective strength, support, and unity. The medal design is a nod to the host cities of Milano and Cortina, marking the first time in history they share the Winter Olympics games.
The Winter Olympic games will be held from 6-22 February 2026, and the Winter Paralympics will be from 6-15 March. These medals are not just awards, but narrative artifacts—expressive of both individual excellence and collective achievement, deeply rooted in Italian design heritage and the spirit of the Olympic movement.
The medals for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics 2026, designed to embody the essence of Italian design, are a testament to the collective nature of athletic achievements. Each medal symbolizes the union of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, highlighting the importance of collaboration and support in sports.
