Organizers unveiled the medals for the next Olympics and Paralympics at a ceremony alongside the Grand Canal in Venice on Tuesday.
WASHINGTON β The 2026 Winter Olympics are still a few months away, but fans are getting a first glimpse at the new medal designs.
Organizers for the Milan Cortina Winter Games unveiled the OlympicΒ and Paralympic medal designs on Tuesday. The 2026 medals are comprised of two halves coming together to make the Olympic rings. They feature the Olympic rings on one side and the gamesβ logos on the other with specific events engraved on each medal.
According to the Olympics, the design “places emotion and teamwork at its core, symbolizing not only the union of two cities, Milan and Cortina, but also the soul of victory and the effort it takes to achieve it. ” Additionally, the two halves also represent Olympic and Paralympic values coming together, reflecting the athlete’s journey and those who have been by their side along the way.Β
The medals are being produced by Italyβs state mint, the Zecca dello Stato, using recycled metal recovered from its own production waste, according to the Olympics.Β
“We conceived a medal that represents purity and a return to essence. With our medals, we celebrate the strength found in difference: two unique halves that join through the Olympic and Paralympic symbols to deliver a bold and unified message. This concept is also reflected in the surfaces of the medals, where two textures meet and begin a story written not only by the athletes, but also by those who supported them: coaches, teammates, family members, and fans,” Brand, Identity and Look of the Games Director Raffaella PaniΓ¨ said in a statement.
More than 1,100 medals will be awarded throughout the 195 events in the Milan Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.Β
βI can assure you they wonβt deteriorate,β Milan-Cortina organizing committee president Giovanni MalagΓ² said. βThey could even be recycled, although I hope nobody will do that.β
Some of the medals from last yearβs Paris Olympics quickly lost their shine.
When are the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The Winter Olympics are set to open on Feb. 6, 2026, through Feb. 22, 2026. The Winter Games will take place between two Italian cities: Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.Β
The Paralympic Winter Games will begin on Mar. 6, 2026, through Mar. 16, 2026.Β
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