Brignone, Mosaner, Fontana and Pellegrino: a quartet of champions as flag bearers at Milano Cortina 2026
- THE CHOICE OF CONI
Four champions, four stories, a historic quartet. Federica Brignone, Arianna Fontana, Amos Mosaner and Federico Pellegrino will represent the Italian team at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo on 6 February. The Winter Olympics return to Italy after 20 years and are already making Olympic history: for the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, a country will field four athletes as flag bearers in the Opening Ceremony: an absolute first that makes CONI's choice unique in the Olympic landscape.
The announcement was made by CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio, together with Secretary General Carlo Mornati and Vice President Marco Di Paola, during the official presentation entitled “Dieci Mai Per Una Scelta”, which was held at the Foro Italico. Through this presentation, CONI outlined the process, criteria and profound meaning of this unprecedented decision. Ten unprecedented sporting, symbolic and value-based conditions guided the selection of the flag bearers, making this a unique event in Olympic history.
Never before has Italy fielded a pair of athletes in the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics, nor had any country entrusted its flag to four athletes. Never before had an athlete from the Fiamme Oro (Golden Flames) marched with the Italian flag at the Winter Olympics, nor had an athlete born in Valle d'Aosta or Trentino. Furthermore, no athlete born in the city hosting the Summer or Winter Olympics had ever been a flag bearer. Additionally, no member of the CONI National Council had ever paraded with the country's symbol, nor had a curling athlete. Nor had a child in the same sport discipline as their mother or father, just as no Italian female athlete had ever been chosen twice as flag bearer until now.
These four unique stories will intertwine in a unique context: for the first time, the Opening Ceremony will be held in two different venues, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. Specifically, Fontana and Pellegrino will parade at the San Siro Stadium, while Brignone and Mosaner in Cortina, in the 'Pearl of the Dolomites'.
“It is now 12 o'clock, and almost 12 minutes past. This time was not chosen at random, as today is an important day. I chose this time to announce the flag bearers for Milano-Cortina 2026" Buonfiglio explained. “There is a sense of complicity with numbers, luck and superstition. The number 12 is considered to represent completeness, harmony and cyclicality. There are 12 months, hours and signs of the zodiac, and the keyword is harmony. We are trying to pursue this with determination and desire in all circumstances, and we want there to be a harmonious world”.
He added: "Harmony was also the key to the development of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games. We started in Olympia, then we were in Athens, Rome and the Quirinale and the Stadio dei Marmi, always with harmony. Inspired by harmony, I made this decision in agreement with Secretary General Carlo Mornati, whom I thank and congratulate for his professionalism and dedication, as well as with Vice Presidents Marco Di Paola and Diana Bianchedi. This is a new Council that is very dynamic and present: I have informed all council members about the flag bearers. This is the first time I have had the honour of choosing them. You come under pressure from all sides, but you have to think objectively, philosophically and critically. We took various requirements into account: we needed a balance of representation, gender and federations; we considered CVs and history. It was a difficult puzzle, and many athletes deserved this role. We drew inspiration from history and tradition in our search for a novel solution. In Cortina, the flag bearers will be Amos Mosaner and Federica Brignone. In Milan, they will be Federico Pellegrino and Arianna Fontana. We also proposed that Sofia Goggia carry the flag for the flag-raising ceremony in Cortina”.
The athlete, following in the footsteps of a parent (her mother is Ninna Quario), born in the host city of the Games, is Federica Brignone. The 'Tiger of La Salle', a multiple Olympic medallist in alpine skiing at the 2018 PyeongChang and 2022 Beijing Games, and the first Italian ever to win the overall season's Crystal Globe trophy, has already achieved the feat of returning to skiing following her tibial plateau and fibula head injury last April. The Azzurra will parade in Cortina together with Amos Mosaner, Olympic curling champion in Beijing 2022 and world champion in mixed doubles, and today the first person from Trentino to become an Azzurri standard bearer.
In Milan, however, it will be the turn of Arianna Fontana, the multiple Olympic short track champion and Italian athlete with the most Olympic medals in history (11 podiums). She will add to her record of being the youngest Italian Olympic medallist (she won bronze in Turin 2006 at 15 years and 10 months) by becoming the first Italian to parade twice with the Tricolour. Until today, in fact, only Ugo Frigerio (athletics), Edoardo Mangiarotti (fencing), Gustav Thoeni (alpine skiing) and Paul Hildgartner (luge) had had this privilege.
Milan's other flag bearer is another winter sports icon, like Federico Pellegrino. He is the leading man of Italian cross-country skiing, a two-time silver medallist in PyeongChang and Beijing, winner of two Crystal Globes, and the first Fiamme Oro athlete and National Council member to be chosen as flag bearer.
“I am delighted and very moved to hear this news” commented Pellegrino. “Throughout my career, I have always tried to set an example, and I have always felt a responsibility towards younger athletes to represent my country on the world stage.’ All of this makes me proud. I am proud to be the first athlete from Valle d'Aosta to hold this role, and I am also proud to represent the Fiamme Oro Sports Group. Moreover, I cannot think of a better way to end my cross-country skiing career than at Milano Cortina 2026”. Brignone was also overcome with emotion. “It's a dream come true. Since the day of my injury, my motivation has been to fight and get back on my feet. I would like to thank everyone who has always been there for me, especially in recent months. When I was a child, I had three dreams: to participate in the Olympic Games, to be the flag bearer, and to win an Olympic medal". Fontana confessed: "Having the chance to represent my country again and carry the Italian flag is a great privilege. I didn't expect it, but I am very honoured. Nothing makes me prouder than leading the team I have loved for 20 years. Being flag bearer alongside Chicco Pellegrino will be a truly special experience for us both".
These four athletes embody the sporting and human excellence of the Italian team. They represent different stories, disciplines and journeys, and are capable of inspiring the whole country and new generations.
In Milan and Cortina, Team Italia will parade under the Tricolour, creating an image that is set to go down in Olympic history. Starting with the opening ceremony.
IOA and CONI Sign Landmark MoU to Strengthen Bilateral Sports Cooperation
- IN NEW DELHI
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi to enhance bilateral cooperation in sports. The agreement establishes a structured framework for the joint promotion of sports, exchange of expertise, and the mutual extension of access to each nation’s elite sporting infrastructure and high-performance centres for athletes, coaches, and sports science professionals.
The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy and Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, reflecting the strong strategic commitment of both governments to deepen cooperation through sport.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, said, “Today marks a proud moment for the Indian Olympic movement. This partnership with CONI opens new horizons for our athletes to train, learn, and excel within one of the world’s most respected sporting systems. The exchange of knowledge, expertise, and infrastructure will play a pivotal role in elevating India’s global sporting performance. We look forward to a long and inspiring collaboration with our Italian counterparts".
Echoing this sentiment, Luciano Buonfiglio, President of CONI, noted, “Italy and India share a deep passion for sport, and this MoU represents an important step in strengthening that bond. By opening our high-performance facilities and expertise to each other, we are building a bridge of excellence that will benefit both nations’ athletes for years to come. CONI is delighted to join hands with IOA in this forward-looking initiative".
The ceremony also saw special remarks from dignitaries of both nations. Mr. Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy remarked, “This collaboration reflects the growing partnership between our countries. Sport has a remarkable ability to bring people and cultures together, and today’s agreement reinforces our shared commitment to cooperation, innovation, and excellence”.
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, added, “This partnership arrives at a crucial moment for India’s sporting ambitions. Access to world-class facilities and joint training programmes will significantly strengthen our athletes’ preparation for future Olympic cycles. The Government of India welcomes this initiative and is committed to supporting meaningful international collaborations that uplift Indian sport".
The MoU outlines structured plans for joint training camps, coaching exchanges, collaborative sports science programmes, and development pathways for emerging athletes, signalling a new era of cooperation between the two Olympic committees.
Milano Cortina 2026, the journey of the torch starts from the Stadio dei Marmi. Buonfiglio: the flame is a symbol of the desire to be leaders
- PALTRINIERI FIRST TORCHBEARER
From Athens to Rome, from the Panathinaiko to the Stadio dei Marmi. The solemn and historic journey of the flame of Milano Cortina 2026 has begun today. The Roman sun, a noble symbol, evokes the timeless memory of the 1960 Summer Olympics, connecting the past with an emotional, dream-filled present.
A brief ceremony at the Foro Italico marked the start of the relay, which will cover more than 12,000 kilometres and pass through 60 host cities and all 110 provinces over 63 days. The route will take in World Heritage sites and landscapes that are emblematic of the country. This journey will bind Italy to the significance of the event and its underlying values until the final stage at the San Siro Stadium for the Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The passing of the flame, a universal symbol of peace, unity and Olympic values, will inspire communities and young people alike, leaving behind a legacy that will help create a cohesive and inclusive society.
CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio opened the emblematic event with a greeting: “It is a historic day, full of emotion. We are here in Rome, in a wonderful setting. There will be 10,001 torches, but one unique flame, which testifies to the passion and desire of an entire country to be in the spotlight. The Olympics are a boost to the country's image”.
The Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, emphasised the significance of the journey: “Life has given us the dream of living these Games. This fire represents our passion. Sport enlightens our lives. Our thoughts go out to the organising committee, and we would like to thank the 10,000 torchbearers”.
The President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, Giovanni Malagò, delivered the final institutional speech. “We are here thanks to Giulio Onesti and the Games he brought to Rome in 1960” he said. “This wonderful journey will visit all the UNESCO sites, which will generate great publicity for the country. This also has profound significance as a proud response to those who denied us the opportunity to compete with Rome for the right to host another summer Olympics. Sport teaches us to pick ourselves up and celebrate new achievements, such as this one, which brings us together in a magical dream”.
A central figure of the ceremony, which united different eras under the five rings, was Giancarlo Peris, the last torchbearer of the 1960 Rome Games. After 65 years, he carried the lantern containing the flame into the Stadio dei Marmi and passed it to Malagò, who lit the cauldron.
This emotional moment marked the start of the relay, which was inaugurated by Olympic champion Gregorio Paltrinieri (pictured by Simone Ferraro), winner of one gold, two silver and two bronze Olympic medals. Paltrinieri ran the first official leg inside the Stadio dei Marmi, performing the Torch Kiss with the second torchbearer, Elisa Di Francisca, when the flame is passed between torchbearers. The Olympic fencer, winner of two gold and one silver foil fencing medal, completed her portion of the course before handing over to the third torchbearer: fellow Olympian Gianmarco Tamberi. After completing the third lap of the stadium, the winner of the gold medal in the high jump handed over the baton to basketball player Achille Polonara. The Azzurro basketball player then carried the torch out of the Stadio dei Marmi and began the relay through the streets of Rome.
The torch will visit all of the city's main sights as a tribute to the capital. The list of torchbearers includes many notable figures from the worlds of sport and entertainment, such as Matteo Berrettini, Gigi Datome, Andrea Bargnani, Max Biaggi, film director Giuseppe Tornatore, singers Achille Lauro and Noemi, actress Claudia Gerini, and fashion designer Lavinia Biagiotti.
It is planned to pass through St. Peter's Square (Vatican City), after which the flame will salute Castel Sant'Angelo. The shortened convoy will travel through the streets of Rome's historic centre, passing by the Pantheon. After the stop at the Gazometro, a facility in the Ostiense district owned by Eni, it will head to Piazza del Campidoglio, before passing the Imperial Forums and the Colosseum. A tribute to Italian cinema on a Vespa along Via Veneto will precede the last segment – at the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Montecitorio, Palazzo Chigi, Piazza di Spagna and Via del Corso. The day will end at 7.30 pm with the lighting of the cauldron, a festive moment that will mark the culmination of activities in the Piazza del Popolo celebration. Olympic magic is set to conquer Italy.
Paltrinieri, Di Francisca, Tamberi e Polonara tedofori, parte dallo Stadio dei Marmi il viaggio della Fiamma Olimpica
President Mattarella lights the cauldron on the Olympic flame's journey: “Let us revive hope for peace and progress”
- AT THE QUIRINALE
Amidst the spectacle of the Frecce Tricolori, President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella ignited the cauldron of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic flame at Piazza del Quirinale. In the presence of Giorgia Meloni (President of the Council of Ministers), Ignazio La Russa (President of the Senate), Lorenzo Fontana (President of the Chamber of Deputies), Matteo Salvini (Minister of Infrastructure and Transport), Andrea Abodi (Minister for Sport and Youth), Kirsty Coventry (President of the IOC), Luciano Buonfiglio (President of CONI), Marco Giunio De Sanctis (President of the CIP), Giovanni Malagò (President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation), Attilio Fontana (President of the Lombardy Region), Giuseppe Sala (Mayor of Milan) and Gianluca Lorenzi (Mayor of Cortina), the Head of State signed an important document in the lead-up to the Winter Olympic Games, which are scheduled to take place from 6 to 22 February (photo: Simone Ferraro/CONI).
“The lighting of the Olympic flame marks the start of an exciting journey and embodies universal principles” said Mattarella. “The Olympic Games provide an opportunity for men and women to progress, encouraging solidarity while demanding an end to oppression based on ethnic origin. This message is conveyed by champions in every discipline and by young people who play sports. Now, more than ever, we feel the urgent need for friendship and peace among peoples. Italy has requested the renewal of the Olympic truce, and we hope that the two months leading up to the start of the Games will ease tensions further. The Olympic sign of peace will be clear and visible everywhere, and one of the greatest riches of sport is that its achievements become part of humanity's heritage. We received the baton from Beijing, and we will hand it over to France. In this era of change, there is a need for hope, and sport contains and transmits this precious value. With the courage to overcome our limits, we can achieve great things, and by lighting the torch, we revive hope for peace and future progress”.
“The Olympia week has been incredible and stirred up a lot of emotion in me” said Coventry. “Seeing the flame arrive in Rome was moving, thanks to the great energy of the Italian people. Every athlete recognises the values of creativity and courage in the power of sport, which transcends barriers and borders, embodying the true spirit of the Olympic Games and ensuring that the dreams of the younger generation are not discriminated against. Milano Cortina 2026 will be my first Olympic Games, and I hope they will be a great success for Italy, the athletes, and the entire Olympic movement. I hope that the Games will inspire the world, and that Italy's passion for them will shine through. As an athlete, I experienced this first-hand when I competed in the 2009 World Championships here in Rome, and to this day it remains one of the most memorable championships of my career. When the torch begins its journey through Italy, it will connect millions of Italians, from the Alps to Sicily and from the largest cities to the smallest villages. Each torchbearer will carry a part of the Italian spirit: your creativity, courage, cultural heritage, joy, and passion for life. The flame carries the hopes of the athletes and the dreams of everyone who believes in the power of sport. Before the ceremony, we had the opportunity to exchange a few words, during which we recognised the power of sport to break down barriers, build bridges and strengthen communities”.
In the afternoon, the flame was carried to the CONI Hall of Honour by Diana Bianchedi, Deputy Vice President of the Olympic Committee and Chief Strategy Planning & Legacy Officer of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation. Everything is now ready for the journey of the Olympic flame, which will start from the Stadio dei Marmi.
Milano Cortina 2026: il Presidente Mattarella accende il braciere del viaggio della fiamma olimpica
IOC President Kirsty Coventry receives the Onesti Prize: “A recognition that touches my heart”
- AT THE ACQUA ACETOSA CPO
This morning in Rome, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry received the Giulio Onesti Prize. At the ceremony, which took place in the Sala Magna of the CONI Acqua Acetosa Olympic Preparation Centre, the Onesti Foundation President, Franco Carraro, and the CONI President, Luciano Buonfiglio, were in attendance (photo: Roberto Di Tondo/CONI).
Having participated in the lighting ceremony of the Olympic brazier at Piazza Quirinale in anticipation of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, Coventry arrived at the Giulio Onesti Centre at Acqua Acetosa at around 12 noon to receive the award. “Rome has a special place in my heart. I remember the 2009 World Swimming Championships. This award touches my heart. I am speechless; it is beautiful” said the IOC President, who won a gold medal and set a world record in the 200 metres backstroke at the 2009 event in Rome, as well as a silver medal in the 400 metres medley.
To honour the former Zimbabwean athlete's achievements, President Buonfiglio presented her with a painting based on a photograph taken at the 2009 World Championships in Rome. “I started my sporting career at this centre many years ago, when TV was still in black and white” recalled the CONI president. “We have several things in common: we were both athletes, and now we are both directors. We share the same values, passion, vision and emotions. I want to give you this small gift to mark this special occasion for us all”.
“Dear Kirsty, thank you for being with us. It is a fantastic day for Italian sport” said President Carraro, who then recalled the story of Giulio Onesti in his speech. “We decided to award President Coventry because she is an Olympic and world champion. She has three children and was Minister of Sport in her country. Today, she has set a new record by being elected President of the IOC” concluded the honorary member of the International Olympic Committee.
La Presidente CIO Coventry riceve il Premio Onesti e visita il CPO
The Olympic flame welcomed by President of the Republic Mattarella at the Quirinale
- ARRIVAL IN ITALY
The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, welcomed the Olympic flame of Milano Cortina 2026 to the Quirinale.
The reception ceremony took place in the afternoon in the Cortile d'Onore, against the backdrop of the glass pavilion. CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio and Secretary General Carlo Mornati were in attendance (photo by Simone Ferraro/CONI).
This morning in Athens, the President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, Giovanni Malagò, received the torch through the ceremonial passing of the baton with Isidoros Kouvelos, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee.
The Olympic symbol, returning to Italy 20 years after Turin 2006, was accompanied by the Italian delegation and Olympic athlete Jasmine Paolini. The transfer took place aboard an ITA Airways flight carrying an oil lantern.
Also present were Milan's mayor, Giuseppe Sala, Cortina's mayor, Gianluca Lorenzi, and MiCo 2026's CEO, Andrea Varnier.
The inauguration ceremony for the Olympic flame's journey will be held at the Quirinale tomorrow morning. On Saturday morning, the torch relay will begin at the Stadio dei Marmi and travel across the country, concluding on 6 February with the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games at San Siro.
During its 63-day journey, the torch will make 60 stops for celebrations, covering 12,000 km across 110 provinces and over 300 municipalities.
Milano Cortina 2026: fiaccola olimpica al Quirinale
The Olympic flame in Italy 20 years on. The handover in Athens, in the afternoon ceremony at the Quirinale. Buonfiglio: the torch a symbol of unity
- MILANO CORTINA 2026
The Olympic flame returns to Italy. Twenty years after Turin 2006, the Olympic symbol shines in our country, bearing its universal significance and marking a key milestone in the lead-up to the 2026 Milano Cortina Games.
The Olympic flame handover ceremony took place at the Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens, Greece. The solemn marble of this elliptical structure, guardian of the Olympic tradition and its founding principles, provided the backdrop for the ceremonial passing of the torch to Giovanni Malagò, President of the MiCo 2026 Foundation.
Luciano Buonfiglio, the President of CONI, together with the Secretary General, Carlo Mornati, and the Deputy Vice-President, Diana Bianchedi, participated in the event. Among the attendees were the mayors of Milan and Cortina, Giuseppe Sala and Gianluca Lorenzi respectively, as well as the Italian Ambassador to Greece, Paolo Cuculi.
Two exceptional torchbearers, the Tricolour Olympians Jasmine Paolini (tennis) and Filippo Ganna (cycling), graced the arrival of the torch in the stadium. The lighting ceremony, meanwhile, was honoured by the contributions of Stefania Belmondo (cross-country skiing) and Armin Zoeggeler (luge).
The ceremony opened with a screening of the “Gymnastics for All – Wolves Team” show, choreographed by Olimpia Dragouni and accompanied by Hellenic singer Klavdia. This was followed by a performance by the choir of the Italian School of Athens in collaboration with the Tam Ballet Company of Milan. One hundred young dancers took part in this performance, which delighted those present and set the tone for the rest of the event.
The High Priestess Mary Mina lit the final torch to pass it into the hands of the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Isidoros Kouvelos. After emphasising the importance of this annual event, which strengthens the connection to the roots of Olympism, the head of Greek sport handed the Olympic flame to Italy.
The President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, Giovanni Malagò, proudly took up the baton, emphasising its significance: “Today is a magical moment for all of us, as we prepare to bring the sacred Olympic flame back to Italian soil for the first time in twenty years. Standing here in this historic stadium reminds us of the honour bestowed upon us and the precious treasure we will take home. Italy is proud of its Olympic heritage, and of athletes such as Jasmine Paolini, Filippo Ganna, Stefania Belmondo and Armin Zoeggeler, who represented us on our journey to Greece in pursuit of excellence. We are ready to write the next chapter in history. In 1960, when Rome last hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games, I was just over a year old. That edition was dominated by the image of Ethiopian legend Abebe Bikila, who won the marathon barefoot under the Arch of Constantine, and the last torchbearer in that year's relay was another runner: Giancarlo Peris, a little-known 19-year-old athlete who had won the student cross-country championship in the province of Rome. He may not have been a world-famous champion, but Peris symbolised a vibrant and hopeful new era for Italy. And sixty-five years later, in Milano Cortina, we aim to harness that vibrant Italian spirit once again. It is through this spirit that we will inspire and unite the country and the world as we come together to celebrate the precious Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect".
CONI President Buonfiglio expressed his thoughts on the uniqueness of the event: “These are moments that we experience with great intensity. I think of all the work that has been done since the bid was submitted, the hundreds of people working on it and all those committed to ensuring that our country makes a good impression: the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, CONI, the government, the regions, the municipalities, the volunteers, and the torch that will travel throughout Italy from today. I would like this torch to bring us all closer together and make us more united in our support for our country, especially when we are abroad. We realise how much we are appreciated, but sometimes we don't say it. Every now and then, it would be nice to be proud of what we are doing. Facilities? We do not live on good deeds alone, but also on legacy. This journey must demonstrate that Italy wants to achieve many great things for its cities, its citizens, its girls and its boys, without distinction between the Olympic and Paralympic worlds. The dream is to start a plan for sports infrastructure and facilities because sports clubs have done so much for Italian sport in recent years and deserve to remain the focus of the government and the Ministry of Sport. Sport produces well-being and a healthy lifestyle and sets an example for how we should behave on a daily basis”.
The flame is expected to arrive at the Quirinale at 6 p.m., where it will be welcomed by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, at the Vetrata del Cortile d'Onore.
Atene: consegnata all'Italia la fiaccola di Milano Cortina 2026
Milano Cortina 2026: Olympic flame lit in Olympia. Buonfiglio: “A special emotion”
- OLYMPIC GAMES
The sacred fire of Olympia now burns once more, lighting the path towards Milano Cortina 2026. The flame-lighting ceremony for the Winter Olympic Games, scheduled from 6 to 22 February next year, was held at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, birthplace of the five rings.
The event opened with the national anthems of the Olympic Movement, Italy and Greece, performed by the children’s choir of the Italian School of Athens, and was attended by leading institutional and sporting figures. CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio took part in the solemn ritual alongside Deputy Vice President Diana Bianchedi – who also serves as Chief Strategy Planning & Legacy Officer of MICO2026. Also in attendance were the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, IOC Members Ivo Ferriani and Federica Pellegrini, IOC Honorary Member Francesco Ricci Bitti and representatives of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation.
In his welcome address, Aristides Panagiotopoulos, Mayor of Ancient Olympia, greeted the large gathering of officials by recalling the timeless values that define the world’s foremost sporting event – unity, peace and brotherhood.
Giovanni Malagò, IOC Member and President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, highlighted how “the Italian spirit will shine through the flame of the torch, lighting up the whole of Italy and uniting the world in the common purpose at the heart of Milano Cortina: harnessing the enduring power of the Olympic Games to create new opportunities for younger generations through sport. It will be a privilege to bring the torch once more along the banks of the River Tiber and return it to Rome, retracing the route of twenty years ago during the Torino 2006 Games. Every step will remind us of the power of sport to break down barriers and help build a more sustainable future together”.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry, visibly moved as she attended her first Olympic flame-lighting ceremony in her new role, added: “I shouldn’t be emotional, but this place is special. In a world as divided as ours, the Games provide a symbolic moment, and it is our duty and responsibility to ensure that athletes from across the globe can come together peacefully, inspiring the hopes and dreams of those who follow us. This is the Olympic spirit – upholding the values that guide us”.
The address by Hellenic Olympic Committee President Isidoros Kouvelos paved the way to the ceremony’s most anticipated moment. The Olympic flame – lit days earlier at the Temple of Hera using the sun’s rays according to the ancient ritual – entered the Museum in the hands of High Priestess Mary Mina and her fellow Priestesses, before being passed to the first torchbearer, Petros Gkaidatzis, bronze medallist in the lightweight double sculls at Paris 2024.
Gkaidatzis then shared the torch with Stefania Belmondo outside the Archaeological Museum. Italy was represented by the cross-country skiing Olympic champion and by Armin Zoeggeler, the legendary six-time Olympic medallist in luge, who became the third torchbearer and launched the nine-day Greek relay. Covering roughly 2,200 km and seven regions, the final torchbearer will be Aikaterini Oikonomopoulou, silver medallist in women’s water polo at Athens 2004.
At the close of the ceremony, President Buonfiglio expressed his pride: “When I was elected President of CONI on 26 June, I never imagined I would experience emotions like these. It is an extraordinary privilege to be here today, where the Games were born 2,800 years ago, and to take part once again in the consecration of what the Olympic torch and the Olympic Movement truly represent. I will also have the honour of being a torchbearer in Milan, on the very day of the Opening Ceremony. It’s a flood of emotions, and it reminds me of the responsibility we have taken on – but I’m reassured because the team around me, the federation presidents and the entire sporting community, stand united. With the support of the Secretary General’s staff, our communications and organisational teams, we will play a leading role in these Games, which will once again place Italy at the centre of the world. My dream is for all Italians to cheer for our athletes. It’s a demanding competition, and such a remarkable organisation deserves great success. Italians must make their warmth felt. My dream is for Italy to embrace our Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Belmondo and Zoeggeler? They are legends, and I’m delighted that my choice was shared by everyone. In Athens we’ll have two more icons of Italian sport, and I’m sure they will inspire great enthusiasm”.
There was also a light-hearted moment with IOC Member Federica Pellegrini, who teased him: “Are you worried after seeing how fast the torchbearers had to run today?”. To which Buonfiglio replied: “I had trained for a four-minute stretch,” prompting Pellegrini to laugh and say: “We’ll have to extend that, President”.
CONI is currently represented in Greece by Alessio Boggiatto, world champion in the 400m individual medley at Fukuoka 2001 and winner of 11 European medals. From 1 December, he will be succeeded by Elisa Santoni, multiple Olympic medallist and world champion in rhythmic gymnastics.
The visit to Greece will conclude on 4 December 2025 in Athens, with the Handover Ceremony at the Panathenaic Stadium, where a delegation from the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee will officially receive the Olympic flame and bring it to Italy that same day.
The flame will arrive in Rome on the afternoon of 4 December and, two days later, begin a 63-day journey covering 12,000 km across 110 provinces and more than 300 municipalities. The route will culminate in Milan on the evening of 6 February 2026, with the Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium.
Olimpia: accesa la fiamma di Milano Cortina 2026
Olympic Truce declaration signed in Olympia. Coventry: "Young people must be allowed to dream"
- IN THE MUSEUM OF THE GAMES
The Museum of the Modern Olympic Games in Olympia, Greece, this afternoon hosted the ceremony for the declaration of the Olympic Truce – a high-profile institutional event, held in the cradle of the Games, to reaffirm the universal significance of the five rings as a language of peace.
CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio attended alongside Deputy Vice President Diana Bianchedi – who also serves as Chief Strategy Planning & Legacy Officer for MICO2026 – just hours before the Olympic Flame is lit.
Also present were IOC President Kirsty Coventry, Italy’s Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi, President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation Giovanni Malagò, IOC Members Ivo Ferriani and Federica Pellegrini, Honorary Member Francesco Ricci Bitti, and Italy’s Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, Paolo Cuculli.
The ceremony was promoted by the mayors of the Greek municipalities of Archaia Olympia, Ilida and Sparta, together with the International Olympic Truce Centre.
Inspired by the ritual calling for a truce, first established in Ancient Greece, the mayors issued an appeal for “weapons to be laid down and hostilities to cease across the globe for the entire period from the seventh day before the start of the XXV Olympic Winter Games until the seventh day after the conclusion of the XIV Paralympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, as set out in the United Nations resolution”.
The Olympic Truce declaration was signed by Coventry, Abodi, Malagò and Buonfiglio, as well as by Ambassador Cuculli. “Greece has a special place in my heart, because it was here that I became an Olympic champion for the first time, and it feels almost surreal to be back now,” Coventry stressed, adding: “In a world that can sometimes seem so sad and divided, it is vital that there is still room for young people to dream and to realise what they are capable of – and that makes what we are doing here today all the more important”.
Milano Cortina 2026 unveils the complete route of the Olympic Torch Relay
- FROM ROME TO SAN SIRO
The complete route of the Olympic Torch Relay has been unveiled, an itinerary that will cross Italy from 6 December 2025 to 6 February 2026, showing the world its timeless beauty. In addition to the 60 celebration cities along the route, more than 300 municipalities have also been announced that will welcome the Flame along its 12,000 km journey: a unique mosaic of territories, stories and communities that, stage after stage, will give life to a widespread national celebration.
The Relay will begin on 26 November 2025 with the lighting of the Olympic Flame in Olympia, a symbolic place of the Olympic tradition. On 4 December, in Athens, the Flame will be handed over to Italy, a solemn moment marking the start of the journey towards the Olympic Winter Games of Milano Cortina 2026. Immediately afterwards, the Flame will arrive in Rome, from where, on 6 December, the Olympic Torch Relay will officially set off: a route that will cross every Italian region, illuminating cities of art, villages, places of shared memory, and landscapes recognised around the world.
"Every step of the Relay through our cities will remind the world of the power of sport to build bridges and break down barriers," says Giovanni Malagò, President of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026. "It will be a journey that weaves roots and future, hospitality and innovation, celebrating the essence of Italy".
Accompanying the Flame will be the two Presenting Partners of the Olympic Torch Relay: Coca-Cola and Eni, who will enhance each stage with special activations, helping to make the Relay an even more engaging experience. Iconic places, collective memory and a journey into the heart of Italy
An impressive organisational effort, the result of more than two years of planning, will accompany a convoy nearly 200 metres long, moving at around 4 km/h. Each day will begin at 7.30 a.m. with the departure of the convoy and conclude around 7.30 p.m. with the lighting of the cauldron in the final city of the day during the city celebration, a festive and participatory moment for local communities.
From the Colosseo to the Fontana di Trevi, from Duomo di Milano to the Grand Canal in Venezia, the Flame will pass by symbols of Italy’s cultural heritage, alongside places that embody resilience and renewal, such as Amatrice and the Scampia district.
"The route has been designed to highlight the country's most evocative landscapes and the stories of talent, courage and solidarity that bring them to life," emphasises Maria Laura Iascone, Director of Ceremonies at Fondazione. "It is a journey that celebrates creativity and inclusion, the very values the Games bring to the world".
The Flame will be in Naples for Christmas, ring in the New Year in Bari, and return to Cortina D’Ampezzo on 26 January 2026 – exactly 70 years after the Opening Ceremony of the 1956 Games, before concluding its journey in Milan, entering San Siro on the evening of 6 February 2026.
The Relay will also feature extraordinary highlights along the route:
• The ascent to Punta Gnifetti on Monte Rosa (4,554 metres)
• A visit to the Marmore Falls
• The magic of the Amalfi Coast illuminated by the torchbearers
• A passage along the Grand Canal in Venice
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