Italian figure skater Carolina Kostner announced this Wednesday the opening of the registration process to take part in the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays for Milano Cortina 2026. The announcement took place at the Sanremo Festival, where the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, the organizing committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, has been a prominent feature in recent years.

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION PROCESS

Anyone born before December 5, 2011, is eligible to apply. Each candidate will have the opportunity to share their story and explain their desire to be part of this unique experience. Torchbearers are expected to represent the values of sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.

Andrea Varnier, CEO of Milano Cortina 2026, emphasized the importance of the torchbearers: “With their stories and experiences, they represent the diversity of our society and the richness of our country. Their role goes beyond carrying the torch; they will be ambassadors of the Olympic and Paralympic values, reinforcing the idea that sport can inspire the world.”

THE OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC TORCH RELAYS

The goal is to have 10,001 torchbearers for the Olympic Torch Relay and 501 for the Paralympic Torch Relay. The last torchbearer in each relay will have the honor of lighting the cauldron at the Opening Ceremonies.

• Olympic Torch Relay:
  • 10,001 torchbearers will cover 12,000 kilometers in 63 days.
  • The relay will pass through all regions and 110 provinces of Italy.
  • The flame will be lit in Olympia on November 26, 2025.
  • It will arrive in Rome on December 4 and start its journey across Italy on December 6.
  • The relay will conclude in Milan on February 6, 2026, entering the San Siro Stadium.
  • Coca-Cola and Eni are the presenting partners of the Olympic Torch Relay.
• Paralympic Torch Relay:
  • 501 torchbearers will cover 2,000 kilometers in 11 days.
  • The flame will be lit in Stoke Mandeville, UK, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement.
  • Between February 24 and March 2, Flame Festivals will be held in Milan, Turin, Bolzano, Trento, and Trieste.
  • On March 3, the flames will unite in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
  • Starting March 4, the flame will visit Venice and Padua before reaching the Arena di Verona for the Opening Ceremony on March 6.
  • Allianz is the presenting partner of the Paralympic Torch Relay.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Applicants can submit their candidacies through the official page of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026. Each torchbearer is expected to bring an inspiring story filled with passion, sacrifice, courage, and inclusion, lighting the way to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.