The medals have a design with a different texture. This highlights the first time the Games will be hosted by two cities and the journey of the athletes. They also represent the union of a player and his team. As well as the two cities, Milan in Italy and Cortina in Italy. The Games will be held in these two cities.
It is the first time that the Games will be shared between two host cities, Milan and Cortina, Italy. It is a unique mark in the history of the Olympic Games that inspired the vision of the Games planning team. It was led by Milano Cortina 2026's Director of Brand, Identity and Appearance for the Games Raffaella Paniè.
Gold, silver and bronze medals have two halves. Each is finished with different textures that are meant to symbolize the union of the two cities.
It is also a metaphor for the player and his team coming together. Putting emotion and teamwork at the core of the design, the designers said.
The design also appears on the medals of the Paralympic Games. The medal design focuses on the athlete and the para-athlete. Reflecting the culmination of their journey and all those who supported them along the way.
These medals are linked to the concept of the «Italian Spirit», the designers said.
They are bright, dynamic and contemporary, inspired by the Italian avant-garde. They express «the determination and passion of the world's greatest athletes and para-athletes. But also the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games,» Paniè said.
“We designed a medal that represents purity and a return to the essence. With our medals, we celebrate the power found in diversity. Two unique halves that come together through the Olympic and Paralympic symbols to deliver a bold and unified message.”.
Paniè added: «This idea is also reflected in the surfaces of the medals. Where two textures meet and start a story that is written not only by athletes and para-athletes. But also by those who supported them: coaches, teammates, family members and fans.».
The Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS), the Italian State Printing and Mint, has designed the medals for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
IPZS produced the medals with an environmentally friendly, non-toxic, recyclable protective finish, organisers said.
The medals combine elegance, visual impact and sustainability, as the energy used by IPZS comes entirely from renewable sources.
“The Milano Cortina 2026 medals are much more than just awards: they are the pulse of the heart of Italy, the essence of a design in motion, the reflection of a dream taking shape. They embody the identity of a country - its creativity, its passion for sport and beauty,” said Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation.
«Every medal, whether Olympic or Paralympic, is a story engraved in metal: it speaks of the effort, determination, sacrifice and hopes of those who lived to reach the podium».
Medals will be awarded in 195 events. A total of 1,146 gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded at both the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The boxes and trays for the medals will be created by Versalis, a subsidiary of Italian energy company Eni. This is an official supporter of the Games, which is also involved in the creation of the Olympic and Paralympic torches.
Although it is the first time that the Olympic Games will be shared between two host cities, it is not the first time that the games have been held in Italy.
Four years before the 1960 Summer Olympics were held in Rome, Italy made its debut as host of the Games with Cortina hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics, according to the Olympic Games website.
The 2026 Games mark the return to the city after 70 years. Winter Olympics were also held most recently in Turin, Italy, in 2006. The upcoming Winter Olympics are scheduled for February 4-22.
“A new and important step towards what I do not hesitate to call one of the most important events in the sporting history of our country. Medals have always been synonymous with the Olympic Games and represent the value of a truly unique event,” said Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy Regional Government.
“Just like the Olympic torches, medals are a perfect synthesis of design and tradition - two cornerstones of the Italian way of thinking. Out of superstition, I won't say more, but it is clear that the hope is to see athletes wearing them around their necks, clad in the Italian uniform.”.
Source: nationaljeweler.com
