Organizers reveal modern metallic torches for Milan-Cortina Olympics and Paralympics

MILAN The organizers of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics have introduced a sleek, modern metallic design for the torches that will lead the traditional relay ahead of the 2026 Games.

The torches are primarily crafted from recycled materials and feature a refillable fuel system capable of being used up to 10 times, which will reduce the total number of torches required, according to the organizers.

Constructed from an aluminum and brass alloy, the Olympic torch is tinted with a blue-green shade, while the Paralympic torch features a bronze finish.

The torch is designed to emphasize the flame itself, which is the heart of the relay, the organizers explained. By keeping the design minimal, the flame takes center stage, allowing the torch to remain subtle in the background.

The Olympic flame will arrive in Rome on December 4 and commence its journey across Italy two days later. The Winter Olympics are scheduled for February 6-22, 2026, with the Paralympics following from March 6-15.

Italian architect Carlo Ratti designed the torches, which were showcased during presentations at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, and also in Milan.

Author's Commentary: Sustainability and Design Take Center Stage in Milan-Cortina Torch

The new Olympic and Paralympic torches for Milan-Cortina 2026 demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability without compromising modern aesthetics. Crafted from recycled materials and equipped with a refillable fuel system usable up to 10 times, these torches significantly reduce environmental impact by minimizing the total number required for the relay.

From a design perspective, the choice of an aluminum and brass alloy, combined with subtle color differentiation—blue-green for the Olympic torch and bronze for the Paralympic torch—reflects a deliberate minimalism. The organizers emphasize that this approach allows the flame itself to remain the focal point, maintaining the symbolic importance of the torch relay.

The torches, created by Italian architect Carlo Ratti and presented internationally at Expo 2025 in Osaka and Milan, represent both functional innovation and cultural symbolism. Their upcoming journey, beginning in Rome on December 4, underscores the balance between tradition and sustainability as Italy prepares to host the Winter Games from February 6-22, 2026, and the Paralympics from March 6-15.

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• Organizers unveil sleek metallic torches for Milan-Cortina Olympics and Paralympics