The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Italy from February 6 to 22, 2026. Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo will host athletes and fans in mountain settings and historic arenas.
At the center of the celebration are the mascots Tina and Milo. They are playful stoat siblings whose story shows courage, change, and inclusion.
Who Are Tina and Milo
Tina and Milo are brother and sister. Tina is the mascot for the Olympic Games and Milo is the mascot for the Paralympic Games. Their names honor the host cities. Tina comes from Cortina and Milo comes from Milano.
Tina’s coat is white and Milo’s coat is brown. Stoats change their fur with the seasons, so their colors show how they adapt to different conditions. Their story celebrates diversity and resilience, two important values of the Winter Games.
Design and Selection Process
Italy invited schoolchildren to design the mascots. More than 1,600 students aged six to fourteen sent in drawings. After a national vote, the winning design came from Istituto Comprensivo di Taverna in Calabria.
The mascots were introduced on 7 February 2024 during the Sanremo Music Festival, one of Italy’s biggest television events. The Milano-Cortina 2026 organizing committee worked with the Italian Ministry of Education so young people could help shape the Games.
Symbolism and Meaning
Stoats are known for their ability to adapt. Their fur is white in winter and brown in summer. This change shows strength and flexibility.
Tina shows curiosity and courage. Milo was born without a leg and uses his tail to move. He represents determination and inclusion. Together they send a message of hope and strength and invite fans to celebrate diversity during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Names and Personality Traits
The names come directly from the host cities. Tina is from Cortina and Milo is from Milano. This link brings both regions together.
Tina is full of energy and enjoys meeting new people. Milo is calm and creative. His way of moving shows how a challenge can be overcome with imagination. Their personalities highlight courage, friendship, and the Olympic spirit.
The Flo: Supporting Characters
Along with Tina and Milo there is a group of six friendly snowdrop flowers called The Flo. Their design came from the runner-up in the same student contest.
Snowdrops are among the first flowers to bloom after winter. They stand for hope and the arrival of spring. The Flo share this message and add a bright touch to the story of Tina and Milo.
Role in the 2026 Winter Games
Fans will see Tina and Milo at many events in Milan and Cortina. They will appear at ceremonies, competition sites, and fan zones. They will greet visitors, cheer for athletes, and entertain children and families.
Their images will also appear on official merchandise like clothes, toys, and souvenirs. These mascots will help create a fun atmosphere and give fans lasting memories of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Fun Facts for Fans
- Italian schoolchildren created Tina and Milo, making them symbols of community spirit.
- Milo’s missing leg highlights creativity and resilience. He uses his tail for balance and movement.
- Their public debut took place at the Sanremo Music Festival, one of Italy’s most watched shows.
- The Flo snowdrops were also chosen from the same contest and stand for the first signs of spring.
- Their names link Milano and Cortina in one story.
Tina and Milo show the heart of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Their story of courage and adaptability reflects the values of the Games.
With their friends the Flo, they will welcome fans and celebrate the spirit of winter sports in Italy.
