The upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics will feature a distinctive design for their medals, symbolizing the collaboration of two host cities. Unveiled at a ceremony alongside the Grand Canal in Venice on Tuesday, the medals embody the theme of “two halves coming together,” reflecting the unique partnership between Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Organizers describe the medals as “a graphic abstraction capturing the union of two halves in perpetual motion.” Each medal showcases the Olympic rings on one side, while the reverse side displays the games’ logos and event specifics. The Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place from February 6 to 22, 2026, followed by the Paralympics from March 6 to 15, 2026. In total, 1,146 medals will be awarded across 195 events throughout the games.
The competitions will span northern Italy, with ice sports hosted in Milan and snow sports taking place in various mountain clusters. Cortina d’Ampezzo will serve as a key location, hosting women’s Alpine skiing, sliding, and curling events. As the capital of the Veneto region, Venice plays a symbolic role in this international sporting event.
The medals are being produced by Italy’s state mint, the Zecca dello Stato, which ensures their quality and durability. “I can assure you they won’t deteriorate,” stated Giovanni Malagò, president of the Milan-Cortina organizing committee. He added that the medals could even be recycled, though he hopes that will not be necessary.
In light of concerns over the longevity of medals, particularly after some from the 2024 Paris Olympics quickly lost their shine, the commitment to quality is a significant aspect of this production process. The Milan-Cortina Olympics aim to set a new standard not only for their design but also for their sustainability and durability.
As excitement builds for the games, the unveiling of these medals marks a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the Winter Olympics and Paralympics, emphasizing the innovative spirit of the event and the collaboration between its host cities.
