Olympic Flame Sets Off on Expedition to the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games are merely 10 weeks away, and enthusiasm is rising as the Olympic flame commences its journey from Greece to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The esteemed event is set for next February, representing another milestone in the honored legacy of the Winter Olympics.
The torch relay is a revered tradition featuring 10,001 torchbearers, which include athletes and members of the public, who will transport the flame through numerous locations until it reaches its ultimate destination for the opening ceremony. This year, the opening of the games will take place at Milan’s famed San Siro stadium on February 6, 2026.
The relay started with Greek rower Petros Gaidatzis receiving the flame from the High Priestess, enacted by Greek actress Mary Mina, in a ceremony at Olympia, the origin of the Olympic Games. Gaidatzis was accompanied by Italian cross-country skiing medallist Stefania Belmondo for part of the relay.
The flame is currently journeying through Greece and will ultimately arrive in Athens for a handover ceremony on December 4. It will then be handed over to the Milano Cortina 2026 committee before heading to Rome. During its Italian journey, the flame will pass through 60 cities and 300 towns, including the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. A notable stop in Cortina D’Ampezzo on January 26 will honor the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Winter Olympics held there.
As stated by the Olympic organizers, “As the Flame traverses each region of Italy, all citizens will have the opportunity to experience the excitement of Milano Cortina 2026 and to participate in the Olympic values through a significant collective moment.” This relay will not only emphasize the Olympic spirit but also showcase Italy’s vibrant cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes.
To catch a glimpse of the Olympic flame on its way to the 2026 Winter Games, interested individuals can view the complete torch route on the Olympics website. For audiences in the United States, the games will be aired on NBC from February 6 to February 22, 2026.
Milano-Cortina 2026 promises to be a magnificent exhibition of athletic skill and cultural festivity, bringing together people worldwide in anticipation of the forthcoming Winter Olympics.