The Winter Olympics may not be as popular as its bigger Summer counterpart since there are fewer countries and sports that are part of it. But it doesn’t deter from the prestige that comes from participating in it and all the rituals that come with it. One such time-honored tradition is the lighting of the Olympic torch. At the recent Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Torches were finally unveiled, and it looks different from all the past winter and summer olympic torches.

This time around, they wanted the focus to be on the flame itself and not just the torch. Their guiding principle was to make the flame the “main protagonist” and the torch is just a supporting actor. Therefore, what you get is not just a minimalist aesthetic but also a statement about getting rid of the superfluous and focus on true sustainability. Inspired by the concept of the “Anemone,” a flower that blooms in the wind, the torches for Milano-Cortina 2026 are a striking blend of form and function. Their sleek, elongated silhouette seems to dance with an invisible breeze, evoking the movement of athletes and the crisp mountain air of the host regions.

Designers: Versales and Cavagna Group

For the first time in the history of Olympic torches, the internal mechanism is shown as there is a vertical slit that runs along the body. You can see how the burner is working so you’re not just looking at it but through it. The main body has a PVD coating finish so the torch is able to shift how it looks depending on its environment. It is also sustainably produced as it is made from recycled aluminum and brass and the burner itself is powered by bio-GPL produced from 100% renewable feedstocks. It is designed to be reused and can be refilled up to ten times so the number of units produced can be reduced.

Beyond the physical design, the Milano-Cortina 2026 torches tell a story of connection. The two host cities, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, are geographically and culturally distinct, yet united by the spirit of the Winter Olympics. The torch’s design subtly reflects this duality, hinting at the diverse landscapes and traditions that will come together to celebrate athleticism and international camaraderie. It will be fascinating to witness these torches in motion during the relay, their design truly coming alive against the backdrop of Italy’s stunning scenery. The commitment to using recycled materials sets a commendable precedent, and it will be interesting to see how this emphasis on sustainability continues to shape the narrative of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

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