Milano Cortina 2026 Unveils Winter Olympic and Paralympic Medals
Official medals for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games were revealed on July 15, during a ceremony in Venice, the capital of Veneto and one of the host regions. Presentation was led by Olympian and Head of the Ambassador Programme, Valentina Marchei.
The medals were transported by boat along Venice’s Canal Grande by Federica Pellegrini, Italy’s most decorated swimmer, and Francesca Porcellato, a 15-time Paralympic medallist. Their journey ended at the historic Palazzo Balbi, where the medals were officially presented.
The medals of the Games were developed by the Milano Cortina 2026 design team and, as explained by Raffaella Paniè, Director of Brand, Identity and Look of the Games, they embody «the determination and passion of the world’s greatest athletes, but also Olympic and Paralympic spirit.»
Sustainable design meets Italian craftsmanship
The medals are produced by the Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute (IPZS) using recycled metal from its own production waste. They are cast in furnaces powered entirely by renewable energy and packaged using FSC-certified materials with minimal plastic content.
Paolo Perrone, President of IPZS, described the medals as a unique combination of design, craftsmanship and innovation: «Each piece represents Italian mastery and places the athlete at the centre of a shared story of ambition and triumph.»
Athletes reflect on the meaning behind the medals
Rhythmic gymnast Alessia Maurelli, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, described medals as symbols of personal sacrifice and perseverance. French biathlete Martin Fourcade, who won seven Olympic medals, emphasised their emotional and visual importance.
Athletes also paid tribute to those who supported them. Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo credited his grandfather, who still coaches him at 82, while American figure skater Karen Chen reflected on her parents’ support throughout her career.
The Olympic Winter Games will take place from 6–22 February 2026, followed by the Paralympic Winter Games from 6–16 March.
Medal specifications:
- Total events: 195
- Olympic medals: 245 gold, 245 silver, 245 bronze
- Paralympic medals: 137 gold, 137 silver, 137 bronze
- Total medals awarded: 1,146
- Diameter: 80 mm
- Thickness: 10 mm
- Gold medal: 500g silver + 6g gold (999 silver + 999.9 gold)
- Silver medal: 500g silver (999)
- Bronze medal: 420g copper
Kursiv also reports that Double Olympic taekwondo champion of Uzbekistan Ulugbek Rashitov has been banned from competition for two years due to anti-doping violations.
