The Olympic flame for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games has been formally handed to Italian organisers at Athens’ Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held.
The flame will now travel to Italy for a 63-day, 12,000-kilometre relay through all 110 provinces before the February 6 opening ceremony.
Milan Cortina president Giovanni Malagò said: “To stand here in this historic stadium provides an inspiring reminder of the honour we have been granted and the precious treasure we will carry home with us.”
Despite forecasts of heavy rain, the ceremony went ahead with performances from Greek and Italian artists. The flame had spent the previous night at the Acropolis before being carried into the stadium by water polo player Elena Xenaki.
Lit in Ancient Olympia on November 26, it was handed over by Hellenic Olympic Committee president Isidoros Kouvelos, who said: “We cannot change the whole world in 16 days of competition, but we can show for 16 days what the world could look like when respect comes first.”
Italy’s third Winter Games have faced delays and cost overruns, but will feature 116 medal events, ski mountaineering’s debut, the return of NHL players, and higher female participation. A separate Paralympic flame will be lit on February 24 in Stoke Mandeville, England.
