For the first time in Olympic history, the Winter Games will be co-hosted by two cities— Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo — an unprecedented collaboration beautifully reflected in the newly unveiled medals for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The medals feature a striking design of two interlocking halves, a bold metaphor for unity — not just between the urban sophistication of Milan and the alpine serenity of Cortina, but also between the athletes and the people who support them. The textured and smooth surfaces on either half symbolize this blend of contrast and cooperation: city and mountain, competitor and coach, Paralympic and Olympic values.
Developed by the design team of Milano Cortina 2026, the medals celebrate Italian creativity, elegance and sustainability. Raffaella Paniè, Brand and Identity Director for the Games, described the medals as a “return to essence,” highlighting strength in diversity and the universal story of struggle, support and triumph.
Each medal is handcrafted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS), Italy’s state mint, using recycled metals from its own production stream and powered entirely by renewable energy. The medals are protected with an eco-friendly, recyclable finish and come in FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified packaging.
Technically, the medals are impressive in their simplicity and symbolism. Measuring 80mm in diameter and 10mm thick, the gold medal weighs 506 grams (1.12 pounds) and consists of 99.9% silver coated in 6 grams of pure gold. The silver medal is made entirely of 99.9% silver and weighs 500 grams, while the bronze medal, made of copper, comes in at 420 grams.
A total of 735 medals — 245 of each type — will be awarded during 195 events at the Olympic Winter Games, scheduled for February 6–22, 2026. An additional 411 medals will be presented during the Paralympic Games, which follow from March 6–16.
The split design resonates far beyond geography. It reflects the journey of every athlete, supported by teammates, families and fans, each one forging their own half of a story that’s only complete when joined by those who stood behind them.
“These medals are much more than mere awards,” said Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation. “They are the heartbeat of Italy... the reflection of a dream taking shape.”
Credits: Images courtesy of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026.