The anticipation for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milan-Cortina is growing: the eagerly awaited Olympic and Paralympic medals were unveiled today at the Veneto region's seat of government, Palazzo Balbi in Venice. A total of 1,146 of these coveted awards will be presented at the 195 events in spring 2026, including those for the biathlon competitions, which will take place in the Südtirol Arena in Antholz from February 8 to 21, 2026.
Renowned swimmer and Olympic medal winner Federica Pellegrini and Paralympian Francesca Porcellato acted as celebrity testimonials at the presentation ceremony. Their presence underlined the importance of the medals as a symbol of sporting excellence and inspiration.
Medals as an expression of dream and passion
Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milan Cortina 2026 Foundation, emphasized the deeper meaning of the awards: "The Milan Cortina 2026 medals are much more than just awards: They are the essence of a design that inspires, the reflection of a dream that takes shape, and they embody our country's creativity and passion for sport and beauty." He added: "Every medal, whether Olympic or Paralympic, tells the story of the hard work, determination, sacrifice and aspirations of those who give their all to reach the podium."
The medals are produced by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS), Italy's state mint and printing company. According to the organizers, the design combines elegant aesthetics and visual impact with a strong focus on sustainability. They are coated with an environmentally friendly, sustainable and recyclable protective layer.
The unveiling of the medals is another important milestone on the way to the 2026 Winter Games, which will take place in Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo and other venues in the Italian Alps.
