Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Medals Unveiled: A Symbol of Unity and Athlete Journeys

The highly anticipated medals made their debut Tuesday at a ceremony in Venice’s historic Palazzo Balbi, which overlooks the iconic Grand Canal. Hosted by Valentina Marchei, head of the Games’ Ambassador Program, the design showcases Italian elegance while capturing the spirit of sport: passion, collective effort, and the universal pursuit of victory.

Inspired by the duality between the Olympics and Paralympics, as well as between Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the medal is adorned with two interlocking halves. This symbolizes the completion of an athlete’s journey and the constant presence of their supporters.

As Raffaella Paniè, Director of Brand, Identity and Image for the Games, explained, the design aims to “celebrate the strength in differences” and deliver “a bold, unifying message”—blending symbolism with a nod to both athletic achievement and human connection.