Carolina Kostner and Martina Caironi beam with the Olympic torches. © ANSA / ALESSANDRO DI MEO

Olympic torch unveiled – and Kostner in the middle of it

On Monday, the Olympic and Paralympic torches for the 2026 Winter Games were unveiled. Figure skater Carolina Kostner from Val Gardena was also in the spotlight.

14 April 2025

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"It was very exciting to be able to represent the Olympic Games here," Kostner said in a video message on social media. The 2012 figure skating world champion was honored on Monday to unveil the Olympic and Paralympic torches at the World Expo in Osaka alongside Para-athlete Martina Caironi. "It was also the first time I saw the design," the 38-year-old continued.

The five-time European champion then expressed a special wish: "I hope that the Olympic ideals will be brought to the fore. The pursuit of excellence, fair play, inclusion, and friendship – these are values ​​that I have experienced throughout my long career and that I have always strived for. I truly hope that Italy can welcome the whole world next year."

Highlights in Milan and Osaka

In addition to Kostner and Caironi, Paralympic gold medalist Bebe Vio (wheelchair fencing) and cross-country skiing legend Stefania Belmondo also took center stage. The latter duo presented the two torches at the Triennale in Milan. The name of the torches, designed by architect Carlo Ratti, is "Essential," a reference to their minimalist design. As explained on the official Olympic Games website, this is intended to express "the perfect balance between technology, innovation, and sustainability."

The Olympic torches have a simple design. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

The torches weigh approximately 1060 grams (without cartridge) and are made primarily from recycled materials, with the majority being made of aluminum and brass alloys. "The torches are beautiful," said Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. "We must ensure that the Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina can truly be a powerful message of peace at a time when two wars are being waged at the gates of Europe." The Olympic torch will be lit in Olympia, Greece, on November 26. On its journey through Italy, the Olympic flame will also visit South Tyrol, where it will arrive in Bolzano on January 27, 2026.