The Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, is set to be enriched by two further Italian artefacts. The racing suit of Lisa Vittozzi (biathlon) and the poles of Federico Pellegrino (cross-country skiing) will become part of the permanent collection of the most prestigious complex in the world dedicated to the Olympic Games and the beating heart of international sporting memory.

The two donations arrived at the conclusion of Milano Cortina 2026, a record-breaking Olympic Games for the entire Italia Team. Lisa Vittozzi (photo FISI) triumphed in the pursuit, claiming the first Olympic gold medal in history for Italian biathlon, in addition to securing silver in the mixed relay alongside Tommaso Giacomel, Lukas Hofer and Dorothea Wierer. The 31-year-old from Sappada was also one of the two flag bearers at the Closing Ceremony at the Arena di Verona together with speed skater Davide Ghiotto, who won gold in the team pursuit with team-mates Andrea Giovannini and Michelle Malfatti.

Federico Pellegrino, Italy’s standard-bearer at the Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium alongside short track skater Arianna Fontana, lived up to expectations in what marked the fourth and final Olympic Games of a legendary career. The champion from Nus took his leave of the Olympic stage with two bronze medals: one in the men’s relay with Davide Graz, Martino Carollo and Elia Barp, and the other in the team sprint in free technique paired with Barp. The suit and the poles (both signed by the athletes) were presented to the staff of the Olympic Museum, who will transport them to Switzerland to enrich the IOC’s historical and cultural heritage within the exhibition that recounts the most stirring moments in Olympic history.

“Thank you to Lisa Vittozzi and Federico Pellegrino for their donations, which enhance our collection of more than 90,000 unique objects. These items tell stories not only of success, but also of the commitment and sacrifice required to achieve it. Through these donations, visitors from around the world will be able to relive the emotions of Milano Cortina 2026, and younger generations will draw inspiration from the athletes, gaining a deeper understanding of the human and sporting journey that leads to a medal,” said the Director of the Olympic Museum, Angelita Teo.

“To enter, by right, a Museum that preserves the testimony of the finest pages written in sporting history is a great honour for us. We are proud to have contributed to the successes of the Italia Team, and this donation to the IOC stands as further testimony to that,” commented Lisa Vittozzi and Federico Pellegrino in unison.