The medals for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games were revealed in a ceremony at Palazzo Balbi in Venice. Designed to reflect duality—between Olympic and Paralympic Games, Milan and Cortina—the medals feature two interlocking halves symbolizing unity, shared effort, and the athlete’s journey.
The design, led by Raffaella Paniè, celebrates “strength in difference” and was presented by Olympic swimmer Federica Pellegrini and Paralympic champion Francesca Porcellato, who transported the medals via Venice’s canals.
Minted by Italy’s state mint (IPZS) using recycled metals and powered by renewable energy, the medals showcase Italian craftsmanship with an 80mm diameter, 10mm thickness, and 500g weight (for gold). A total of 1,146 medals will be produced.
The presentation cases, made by Versalis, use FSC-certified materials and minimal plastic, aligning with sustainability goals. As rhythmic gymnast Alessia Maurelli said, “An Olympic medal is never just metal—it’s proof that dreams outlast fear and doubt.”
