The designs for the torch, medals, sport pictograms and mascots of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (Milano Cortina 2026) have been unveiled by Rafaella Panie, the Games' brand and creative director. Panie said the minimalist torch design allows people to focus their attention on the flame. "What we (were) interested here is to have the idea that you've got a reflective surface which of course also gives attention to the flame. Because all the atmosphere around it and all the circumstances that will be around it will make sure that the attention is very much on that," she said while sharing her idea on the torch design. The medal features two halves, reflecting the two Italian host cities and the efforts of athletes and their teams, families, and supporters, she said. The mascots for the Milano Cortina 2026 are two sibling stoats named Tina and Milo, which are chosen by the public. "We actually got 1,600 designs from schools. We chose 10, and then from 10 we went to 2. And these two were the stoats and the flowers. So we did a public voting, and in the public voting, the stoats came out as first place. So these are official mascots chosen by the public," said Panie. Panie added that the mascot stoat for the Paralympic Winter Games is missing one leg, and instead, is using its tail to stand, showcasing the idea of resilience and inclusion. The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place from Feb 6-22, 2026, across various locations in Lombardy and Northeast Italy, specifically at sites in and around Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and the Valtellina and Fiemme valleys. The Games will be jointly hosted by Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. SHOTLIST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Milan, Italy - Recent 1. Various of Rafaella Panié, Brand and Creative Director for 2026 Winter Olympics, showing medal; 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Rafaella Panié, Brand and Creative Director, 2026 Winter Olympics (partially overlaid with shot 3): "What we (were) interested here is to have the idea that you've got a reflective surface which of course also gives attention to the flame. Because all the atmosphere around it, all the circumstances that will be around it will make sure that the attention is very much on that."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 3. Torch;; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 4. Sport pictograms, podiums; 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Rafaella Panié, Brand and Creative Director, 2026 Winter Olympics: "We actually got 1,600 designs from schools. We chose 10, and then from 10 we went to 2. And these two were the stoats and the flowers. So we did a public voting, and in the public voting, the stoats came out as first place. So these are official mascots chosen by the public."; 6. Mascot for 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]