Milano Cortina 2026 introduces 'Essential' torch for Winter Olympics
On Monday, the organizers of the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games revealed the official torches that will carry the flame of the upcoming events, emphasizing themes of Italian design, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability....
TroibNews 
On Monday, the organizers of the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games revealed the official torches that will carry the flame of the upcoming events, emphasizing themes of Italian design, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability.
The torches, named "Essential," were presented in a simultaneous ceremony at the Triennale di Milano in Italy and at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. This event highlighted both the international spirit of the Olympic Movement and the rich cultural heritage of the host nation.
The launch featured four prominent athletes: Stefania Belmondo, an Olympic champion and the final torchbearer of Torino 2006, and Paralympic fencing gold medalist Bebe Vio introduced the torches in Milan, while Paralympic champion Martina Caironi and Sochi 2014 figure skating bronze medalist Carolina Kostner took part in the unveiling in Osaka.
The torch design is a celebration of simplicity and strength. Created by Italian energy company Eni in partnership with Versalis and crafted by Studio Carlo Ratti Associati, the torch emphasizes its core flame with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic and an iridescent finish. Two versions were introduced: one in blue-green for the Olympic Games and the other in bronze for the Paralympic Games.
Each torch weighs just over one kilogram and is entirely made in Italy from a recycled aluminum and brass alloy. With a focus on reusability and sustainability, the torches can be refilled and reused up to 10 times, helping to significantly reduce production volume for the torch relays.
Bio-LPG, a renewable fuel derived from waste materials like used cooking oil and animal fats, powers the torch and is produced at Eni's biorefinery in Gela, Sicily. The burner, which is the technological core of the torch, is displayed prominently for the first time, allowing the public a unique glimpse into the mechanics that keep the Olympic flame alive.
The color choices for the torches are rich in symbolism: "Shades of Sky" adorns the Olympic torch, reflecting Italy's vibrant landscapes and evoking themes of movement, hope, and transformation. In contrast, the Paralympic torch features "Mountains of Light," representing resilience, strength, and the transformative power of sport.
Organizers noted that each torch serves as both a practical object and a cultural emblem, encapsulating the spirit of unity and excellence that is characteristic of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. After the torch relays, the Olympic torch will be included in the official collection at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
The torches will be publicly displayed at the Italia Pavilion throughout Expo 2025 in Osaka and at the Triennale di Milano from May until the completion of the Games.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
The torches, named "Essential," were presented in a simultaneous ceremony at the Triennale di Milano in Italy and at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. This event highlighted both the international spirit of the Olympic Movement and the rich cultural heritage of the host nation.
The launch featured four prominent athletes: Stefania Belmondo, an Olympic champion and the final torchbearer of Torino 2006, and Paralympic fencing gold medalist Bebe Vio introduced the torches in Milan, while Paralympic champion Martina Caironi and Sochi 2014 figure skating bronze medalist Carolina Kostner took part in the unveiling in Osaka.
The torch design is a celebration of simplicity and strength. Created by Italian energy company Eni in partnership with Versalis and crafted by Studio Carlo Ratti Associati, the torch emphasizes its core flame with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic and an iridescent finish. Two versions were introduced: one in blue-green for the Olympic Games and the other in bronze for the Paralympic Games.
Each torch weighs just over one kilogram and is entirely made in Italy from a recycled aluminum and brass alloy. With a focus on reusability and sustainability, the torches can be refilled and reused up to 10 times, helping to significantly reduce production volume for the torch relays.
Bio-LPG, a renewable fuel derived from waste materials like used cooking oil and animal fats, powers the torch and is produced at Eni's biorefinery in Gela, Sicily. The burner, which is the technological core of the torch, is displayed prominently for the first time, allowing the public a unique glimpse into the mechanics that keep the Olympic flame alive.
The color choices for the torches are rich in symbolism: "Shades of Sky" adorns the Olympic torch, reflecting Italy's vibrant landscapes and evoking themes of movement, hope, and transformation. In contrast, the Paralympic torch features "Mountains of Light," representing resilience, strength, and the transformative power of sport.
Organizers noted that each torch serves as both a practical object and a cultural emblem, encapsulating the spirit of unity and excellence that is characteristic of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. After the torch relays, the Olympic torch will be included in the official collection at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
The torches will be publicly displayed at the Italia Pavilion throughout Expo 2025 in Osaka and at the Triennale di Milano from May until the completion of the Games.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
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