Milan-Cortina 2026, Achille Polonara will be among the torchbearers
Gregorio Paltrinieri will be the first torchbearer of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic torch journey, which will start on Saturday, Dec. 6, in Rome and end two months later in the Lombard capital and, at the same time, in the Veneto resort. According to advance reports by Ansa, the five-time Olympic medal-winning swimmer will kick off the long run, which will start the day before with an official ceremony at the Quirinale. The list of sportsmenalso includes other big names such as those of Elisa Di Francisca, Gianmarco Tamberi and Achille Polonara, the basketball player who has been discharged but is fighting his battle against leukemia.
At 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, The Coca-Cola Music Fest – The Journey of the Olympic Flame will light up the Stadio dei Marmi in Rome, the temple of Italian sports: a free concert, a celebration of music, sports, emotions and Olympic values, accessible to all, to give life to a collective tribute of the extraordinary journey that will take the Olympic Flame throughout Italy. Mahmood, Noemi, The Kolors, Tananai and Carl Brave will take turns on stage in a unique show that weaves together entertainment, sportsmanship and national pride, marking the beginning of a symbolic journey destined to unite the whole country.
“The Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Flame Journey is a journey that speaks of real connection: it unites stories, territories and people, transforming the anticipation of the Olympic Games into an experience that belongs to everyone. An extraordinary journey to make the entire country live the Olympic values – said Luca Santandrea, General Manager Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 of Coca-Cola -Thanks also to the appointments that will animate Italy in the coming weeks, and to the torchbearers that we have helped to choose, we want to make it a moment of active participation, close to people, cities and their communities. Since 1928 alongside the Olympic Movement, Coca-Cola continues to believe in the power of sport as a universal language capable of bringing communities together and inspiring new generations. We want each stage to be an opportunity to celebrate Italy in its authenticity, bringing energy, positivity and a collective sense of belonging.”
From December 6, for 63 days, the Olympic flame will cross Italy connecting territories, cultures and people, allowing everyone to experience the values of the Games.
