Italy Welcomes Olympic Flame for Milano-Cortina Winter Games

The Olympic flame for the upcoming Milano-Cortina Winter Games was officially received on December 4, 2023, during a ceremony at the historic Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. This event marks the beginning of a 63-day torch relay aimed at generating excitement across Italy ahead of the Olympics scheduled to commence on February 6, 2026.

The ceremony, which was scaled down due to heavy rain warnings, saw Giovanni Malago, the organizing chief of the Milano-Cortina Games, receive the flame inside the iconic marble-clad stadium. Malago emphasized Italy’s rich Olympic heritage, stating, “Italy is proud of its Olympic heritage … as we get ready to write the next chapter in our Olympic story.” Despite the weather restrictions, a small group of officials and spectators gathered to witness the event.

Exciting Torch Relay Ahead

Italy, known for its strong presence in winter sports, last hosted the Winter Olympics in 2006 during the Turin Games. Malago expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming relay, describing it as “an incredible 63-day adventure.” He added, “After two decades of waiting, the Olympic flame is returning to Italy.”

The flame was carried into the Panathenaic Stadium by Italian Olympic tennis doubles champion Jasmine Paolini after a nine-day relay in Greece, which commenced with the flame’s lighting on November 26 in ancient Olympia. Following the Athens ceremony, the flame will travel to Rome later that day and officially start its Italian journey on December 6 from the Stadio dei Marmi.

A Journey Across Italy

The torch relay will cover a remarkable distance of 12,000 kilometers, traversing all 20 regions and 110 provinces. It will pass through 60 cities and 300 towns, involving a total of 10,001 torchbearers. The route is designed to highlight Italy’s diverse landscapes and cultures, with landmark stops planned at the Colosseum in Rome and the Grand Canal in Venice. The relay will also reach cities in southern Italy, such as Palermo and Naples, to engage regions less familiar with winter sports.

As the torch approaches its final destination, it will arrive in Cortina D’Ampezzo on January 26, 2026, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the opening ceremony of the 1956 Winter Games held at the same venue. The relay will culminate on February 6 at the opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro Stadium.

This journey not only celebrates the Olympic spirit but also aims to unite the nation in anticipation of an event that showcases Italy’s passion for winter sports and its commitment to Olympic values.