The Olympic flame has returned to Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, in a poignant ceremony marking 70 years since the town hosted its first Winter Games in 1956. The event signals the countdown to Cortina's role as co-host of the 2026 Winter Olympics alongside Milan, bridging seven decades of Olympic history.
At the heart of the celebration was 92-year-old Bruno Alberti, a torchbearer from the 1956 Games whose injury prevented him from competing locally but who later represented Italy in two subsequent Winter Olympics. Lighting the cauldron, Alberti reflected on Cortina's enduring spirit: "Cortina is always Cortina, and it's unique in the world."
The ceremony underscored preparations for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games, with organizers emphasizing sustainable infrastructure upgrades and enhanced regional connectivity. Local officials highlighted plans to reuse historic venues from the 1956 event while integrating modern facilities compliant with International Olympic Committee standards.
