Inside the Stunning New Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Medals: A Symbol of Unity and Italian Style

The Milano Cortina 2026 Medals: Olympic Glory with an Italian Twist

Move over gold rush – the Milano Cortina 2026 medals are turning heads for more than just their metal content. Unveiled today in Venice (naturally), these elegant discs aren’t just symbols of victory. They’re masterpieces of meaning, style and sustainable Italian craftsmanship.

Watch the medals being unveiled. 

A Medal Worth Sharing

Designed as two distinct halves that join together, the Milano Cortina 2026 medals tell a story far beyond the finish line. They represent the unsung heroes behind every Olympic triumph: the coaches, teammates, families and fans who lift an athlete toward greatness.

“The design reflects the idea that victory is never a solitary moment,” said Raffaella Paniè, the Games’ Brand Director. “It’s built through collective strength, support, and unity.”

Like a perfectly executed parallel turn, the medals come together to create something smooth, bold and full of intention – just like the Games themselves, which are set to be shared for the first time between two host cities.

Minimalist with Maximum Impact

Crafted by the Italian State Mint in Rome using 100% recycled metal, each medal features a polished half and a granular half. These two textures meet at a slanted seam, adding depth, contrast and a visual metaphor for connection. They’re tactile, elegant and unmistakably Italian – a nod to the avant-garde design legacy that has shaped the country’s global aesthetic cachet.

They’re also greener than a pine forest in powder season. Milled using renewable energy and salvaged materials, they prove that performance and eco-consciousness can carve the same line.

Unveiled in Venice, Celebrated Worldwide

The big reveal took place at Palazzo Balbi in Venice – a city synonymous with art, beauty and Italian flair. Olympic legend Federica Pellegrini and Paralympic powerhouse Francesca Porcellato were on hand to present the medals. Between them, they’ve won over two dozen medals across Summer and Winter Games. If anyone knows what it takes to stand on the podium, it’s these two.

A Symbol of Legacy

The medals channel the same “Essential” design philosophy that inspired the Games’ Olympic torch. Together, they form a visual identity that’s cohesive, modern and full of heart.

As Matteo Taglienti from the Italian Mint puts it: “Each medal is not just a technical achievement, but a truly unique object, rich with history and meaning.”

We’ll take that with a side of Olympic goosebumps.