Winter Torch Design Unveiled

Winter Torch Design Unveiled

by Philip Barker

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Torch has been unveiled simultaneously in Milan and at the Italian pavilion of the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

Made from an alloy of recycled aluminium and brass, the Olympic Torch is coloured blue/green.

It is intended to represent “Shades of Sky,” which organisers say is “inspired by Italy’s ever-changing landscapes. A colour that speaks of movement, hope, and transformation.”

Torches will weigh approximately 1060 grams and can be refilled up to ten times “significantly reducing the amount of torches required for both relays.”

This follows the example of Paris 2024 which controversially did not provide a Torch for each individual Bearer but instead gave a small memento to each participant.

Amongst those chosen to reveal the design was double cross country skiing gold medallist Stefania Belmondo, the last to carry an Olympic Flame on Italian soil when she lit the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony of the 2006 Torino Games.

“I have to say, it’s really beautiful. Kudos to the designer because it’s really wonderful in its simplicity,” said Belmondo.

“The beautiful thing is that for those that carry the torch, it will be effortless, and it has a really elegant style.”

Belmondo was joined for the unveiling by double Paralympic fencing gold medallist Bebe Vio.

“I like it because it’s very simple and not extravagant,” Vio said.

Martina Caironi who won her third 100m Paralympic gold in Paris joined figure skater Carolina Kostner, a bronze medallist at Sochi 2014 for the simultaneous event in Osaka.

The torches were created by the Studio Carlo Ratti Associati and Cavagna Group. They have been collectively been given the name “Essential.”

“Everything in the design of the torch was inspired by sustainability. It’s about, first of all, minimising the use of material, and then also using the right materials, a lot of recycled materials,” said designer Carlo Ratti.

“When people think about Italy, they think about innovation, but usually innovation in the past, now there’s so much innovation in Italy, looking at today and looking at the future, and that’s what we wanted to bring into the design of the torch.”

Each torch has been crafted using Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) technology, giving the torches a reflective, iridescent effect that allows them to blend with their surroundings depending on light conditions. This will offer a dynamic visual experience for both torchbearers and spectators.

The torches incorporate an open panel in the design which shows the technological components, allowing bearers and spectators to see how the Flame is generated.

The flame itself is to use Bio Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) produced at the Enilive Biorefinery in Gela on the Southern coast of Sicily.

The Lighting of the Olympic Flame has been scheduled for November 26th in Ancient Olympia.

The Flame for the Paralympics is to be lit on February 24th in Stoke Mandeville, The Torch will have the same design but will be coloured bronze. “honouring the inner strength of Paralympic athletes and the power of their courage to reshape the world. “

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