The organizing committee of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games has unveiled its official medals, striking objects that go beyond traditional notions of sporting victory. Minimalist in form yet rich in meaning, the new medals emphasize unity, support, and the shared journey that defines athletic achievement.
OLYMPICS
The design, created by a multidisciplinary team led by Raffaella Paniè, Brand, Identity and Look of the Games Director, draws on the visual language of Italian avant-garde design. Each medal is composed of two distinct halves that fit together, symbolizing not only the athlete’s personal triumph but the invisible network of people, coaches, families, teammates, and fans, that shape every step of the journey.
“In our medals, we celebrate the strength of differences,” explains Paniè. “Two unique halves joined through the Olympic and Paralympic symbols create a strong and unified message. Victory is never a solitary moment—it’s built through collective strength, support, and unity. This story lives in the surfaces of the medals, where two textures meet and begin a narrative shaped not only by the athletes, but by everyone who helped them get there.”
The design choice also mirrors the unprecedented model of the 2026 Games themselves: for the first time in Winter Olympic history, the Games will be co-hosted by two cities, Milan and Cortina, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and shared achievement.
The medals were produced in partnership with the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, combining centuries-old artisanal medal-making traditions with cutting-edge production methods. According to Matteo Taglienti, International Sales Manager at the Mint, “The Mint combines two fundamental and inseparable elements in the design: the artistic tradition of the School of Medal Art and the industrial reality of cutting-edge production. This makes each medal not just a technical achievement, but a truly unique object, rich with history and meaning.”
Like the “Essential” Olympic torches designed by Carlo Ratti, the medals reflect a cohesive design philosophy running through the Games, one defined by purity, simplicity, and innovation. The pairing of sculptural elegance with profound symbolism positions these medals as not only prestigious accolades, but as meaningful artifacts of the Games’ wider cultural narrative.
With this reveal, Milano Cortina 2026 sets a thoughtful tone for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, one that acknowledges the glory of the podium and the quiet endurance, relationships, and dedication that power every moment of triumph.
