Milano/Cortina d’Ampezzo: The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to begin on February 6, and excitement is already building around the Games in Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo. At the heart of the celebrations are the official mascots, Tina and Milo, two cheerful stoat siblings who embody the spirit, energy, and creativity of modern Italy.
Officially unveiled in February 2024, nearly two years ahead of the opening ceremony, Tina and Milo will represent the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games respectively. Their names are inspired by the two host cities — Tina from Cortina d’Ampezzo and Milo from Milano — highlighting the unique mountain-to-city identity of the Games.
Symbols of the Italian Spirit
Organisers describe Tina and Milo as symbols of a contemporary, vibrant and dynamic Italian spirit. Naturally curious and deeply connected to the outdoors, the mascots love sport, adventure and fun, while also reflecting values of sustainability, inclusion and creativity.
“Tina and Milo are cheerful and easy-going teenagers — energetic, determined and sometimes charmingly irreverent towards adults,” the Milano Cortina Organising Committee said, calling them the “first openly Gen Z mascots” in Olympic history.
Meet Tina
Tina is the Olympic mascot, born among Italy’s mountains where green summers turn into snowy winters. Passionate about art and music, she believes in the power of beauty and creativity. Though she now lives in the city, nature remains her home, and she is committed to protecting the environment and keeping it unspoiled.
She shares a close bond with her younger brother Milo, having spent their entire childhood together.
Meet Milo
Milo is the Paralympic mascot and a powerful symbol of resilience. Born without one paw, he learned to adapt by using his tail, transforming what could have been a limitation into a strength through creativity and determination. His story reflects the core values of the Paralympic movement — courage, adaptability and inclusion.
Chosen by Children, Loved by the Public
The journey to creating the mascots began with Italian schoolchildren. Italy’s Ministry of Education invited students from primary and secondary schools to submit ideas, receiving more than 1,600 entries.
The final public vote narrowed the choice to two concepts: a pair of mountain flowers (edelweiss and snowdrop), and the sporty stoat siblings dreamed up by students from Calabria.
Tina and Milo won the vote, but organisers also embraced the runner-up idea, introducing six snowdrop sidekicks called “The Flo”, symbols of rebirth and renewal.
Why Stoats?
Stoats — members of the mustelid family, which includes otters, badgers and wolverines — were chosen for their agility, speed and adaptability. Known for changing the colour of their fur with the seasons, they are seen as ideal representatives of life in the mountains and of environmental balance.
“They are curious by nature and resilient enough to thrive in challenging habitats,” organisers said. “They will lead us toward a future that respects the environment and celebrates differences — more sustainable and brighter.”
From much-debated mascots like Atlanta 1996’s Izzy to Beijing 2022’s beloved panda, Olympic mascots often spark strong reactions. With Tina and Milo, Milano Cortina 2026 is betting on charm, inclusivity and youthful optimism — and early signs suggest the stoat siblings are already winning hearts.
Source: Milano Cortina 2026, NPR
Discussion about this post