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The 2026 Olympics are here, with the opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina Games kicking things off on Friday. That includes lighting the Olympic cauldron, ending the torch relay with a dramatic moment in which a big-name athlete from the host country usually lighting it.
This year, there will be TWO cauldrons — one in Milan, one in Cortina d'Ampezzo — given that the Games will take place in both Italian locations. So there could be two Italian legends who get the honors.
Which brings us to a good question we have ahead of the opening ceremony: Who could it be? We dug in, did some research and came up with some names:
The obvious favorite in our minds. Dude was absolutely dominant as a skier, winning five Olympic medals with three golds. Seems like a perfect fit, no?
Two golds and a bronze in 2006 at the Turin Olympics could mean he gets a shot.
Another Italian skiing legend with three golds and a silver to her name.
She won two Olympic golds in cross country. A solid candidate, but she was one of the first torchbearers. Could mean she's out.
He was a six-time medalist in the luge with two golds.
Another cross-country ski legend with seven medals (two gold).
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Who will light 2026 Olympic Cauldrons for Milan Cortina? 6 candidates
Continue reading...
This year, there will be TWO cauldrons — one in Milan, one in Cortina d'Ampezzo — given that the Games will take place in both Italian locations. So there could be two Italian legends who get the honors.
Which brings us to a good question we have ahead of the opening ceremony: Who could it be? We dug in, did some research and came up with some names:
Alberto Tomba
The obvious favorite in our minds. Dude was absolutely dominant as a skier, winning five Olympic medals with three golds. Seems like a perfect fit, no?
Enrico Fabris
Two golds and a bronze in 2006 at the Turin Olympics could mean he gets a shot.
Deborah Compagnoni
Another Italian skiing legend with three golds and a silver to her name.
Stefania Belmondo
She won two Olympic golds in cross country. A solid candidate, but she was one of the first torchbearers. Could mean she's out.
Armin Zoggeler
He was a six-time medalist in the luge with two golds.
Manuela Di Centa
Another cross-country ski legend with seven medals (two gold).
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Who will light 2026 Olympic Cauldrons for Milan Cortina? 6 candidates
Continue reading...
