Innovation Meets Tradition in 2026 Winter Games Torch
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games unveiled their groundbreaking 'Essential' torches on Monday, blending Italian craftsmanship with eco-conscious engineering. Simultaneously showcased at Milan's Triennale museum and Expo 2025 in Osaka, the designs honor the Olympic Movement's global reach while celebrating Italy's cultural heritage.
A Symphony of Science and Symbolism
Created through a partnership between energy giant Eni, Versalis, and Studio Carlo Ratti Associati, the torches feature iridescent finishes on lightweight recycled alloys. Their exposed bio-LPG burners – powered by renewable fuel from Sicilian biorefineries – showcase technological transparency, while reusable designs slash production needs by 90%.
Colors That Tell a Story
The Olympic torch's 'Shades of Sky' blue-green tones mirror Italy's alpine horizons, embodying hope through movement. Its Paralympic counterpart sports bronze 'Mountains of Light,' celebrating athletic perseverance. Both will tour globally before joining the Olympic Museum's permanent collection, serving as lasting symbols of human achievement.
Global Launch, Local Legacy
Four Italian sports icons – including Torino 2006's final torchbearer Stefania Belmondo and Paralympic fencer Bebe Vio – headlined dual unveilings. The torches will remain displayed through the Games' conclusion, inviting worldwide audiences to engage with this fusion of sustainability and style.
