Unveiling of Medals Set for Upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics medals were unveiled in Venice on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the preparations for next year's games. The medals, created by the Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute (IPZS), are set to be a testament to Italy's commitment to sporting excellence, sustainability, and cultural heritage.
Paolo Perrone, President of the IPZS, stated that the medals represent the mastery and excellence of Italian design. He added that the medals place the athlete at the center of the story, expressing the universality of sport, the struggle, and the emotion of victory.
The medals will be accompanied by boat to the ceremony at Venice's Palazzo Balbi. Each medal weighs 500 grams, with dimensions of 80 mm in diameter and 10 mm in thickness. The gold and silver medals are made from high-quality 999 silver and 999.9 gold, ensuring durability and beauty. Bronze medals are crafted from copper, reflecting Italy's architectural heritage.
The design concept features a graphic abstraction of two halves coming together, symbolizing the union of Milano and Cortina, as well as the Olympic and Paralympic values. The design includes two textures, representing strength and purity, embodying the determination and passion of athletes.
In terms of sustainability, the medals are crafted using recycled metal recovered from the IPZS's own production waste. They are designed to be durable and resistant to deterioration, with the possibility of being recycled, as stated by the organizing committee.
Italy has previously hosted two Winter Olympics - Cortina in 1956 and Turin in 2006. Next year's Winter Olympics will be held in Europe, marking its return after Pyeongchang, South Korea in 2018 and Beijing in 2022. The Paralympic Winter Games will follow from March 6 to 15, and the games will take place from February 6 to 22.
Ski mountaineering will debut at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Athletes will ascend and descend a mountain in Bormio, Valtellina valley, using a mixture of on foot and on ski techniques for ski mountaineering.
Federica Pellegrini, a double Olympic medalist and Italy's most successful swimmer, was present at the unveiling ceremony, along with Francesca Porcellato, the winner of 15 Paralympic medals. Their presence underscores the importance of the games to Italian athletes and the nation as a whole.
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics medals are more than just symbols of victory; they are a symbol of Italy's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and athletic pursuit. The games, set to take place in Milan for the first time, are shaping up to be a memorable event for all involved.
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics medals, beyond being symbols of victory, are a testament to Italy's commitment to sport and sports, showcasing the universality of sport, the struggle, and the emotion of victory. The medals, with their innovative design and focus on sustainability, align with Italy's pursuit of sporting excellence and their architectural heritage.
