Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics: how Italy's flag bearer is chosen

Each Olympiad brings with it symbols and rituals that express its deepest essence. Among these, one of the most solemn and anticipated moments is the Parade of the national delegation during the opening ceremony, with the flag bearer leading the Italian team before the eyes of the world. But how is Italy's flag bearer chosen for the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games?

An honor worth a career

Being a flag bearer is not just a ceremonial assignment: it is the recognition of an exemplary career and values that embody the Olympic spirit. Traditionally, the role is entrusted to athletes who have written important pages of Italian sports, capable of representing talent, ethics and dedication.

The flag bearer thus becomes the face of the delegation: his image, as he raises the tricolor inside the Olympic stadium, remains forever in the collective memory.

The selection process

The choice of the flag bearer is entrusted to the CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) for the Olympics and at the CIP (Italian Paralympic Committee) for the Paralympics.

The process involves several steps:

• Career evaluation: the most representative athletes, often multiple medalists or those with a strong symbolic connection to the Games, are considered.
• Balance between disciplines: CONI tends to alternate between different sports to give visibility to more sectors of the Olympic movement.
• Recognition of human and sports values: not only results, but also fair play, dedication and the ability to be ambassadors of Italian sport in the world.
• Official announcement: The final decision is communicated months before the ceremony so that the athlete can prepare for the symbolic moment.

A tradition that speaks to the heart

Over the years, many great champions have had this privilege: from John Pellielo in shooting, to Federica Pellegrini, swimming icon, up to Jessica Rossi in shooting and Elijah Viviani in cycling, flag bearer at Tokyo 2020.

The tradition continues with Milan Cortina 2026, where the flag-bearer will have an even more special role: to represent not only the blue team, but also the return of the Winter Olympics to Italy after 20 years, with the strength of a country uniting Alps, cities and territories in one big celebration.

Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics: the value of a symbol

The choice of the flag bearer is not only an individual award, but a collective act of gratitude toward an athlete becoming a guardian of national identity. It is a moment that unites millions of Italians in front of the television, generating pride and belonging.

When the Italian flag bearer enters Milan's San Siro Stadium on Feb. 6, 2026, he will not only carry a flag: he will bring with him stories, sacrifices, victories and hopes.

The possible blue candidates for Milan Cortina 2026

Although the official name has not yet been announced, here are some athletes who might be among the favorites for this prestigious role:

• Gianmarco Tamberi (high jump): Olympic champion at Tokyo 2020 and a symbol of resilience and sporting spectacle, beloved by the public.
• Sofia Goggia (alpine skiing): icon of Italian skiing, former Olympic champion and capable of extraordinary feats on downhill slopes.
• Federica Brignone (alpine skiing): first Italian to win the overall World Cup, a skiing veteran and a symbol of continuity.
• Arianna Fontana (short track): Winter Olympics legend with a record palmarès, a true ambassador of Italian sport on snow and ice.
• Dorothea Wierer (biathlon): one of the most successful biathletes ever, the face of a discipline that combines technique and endurance.

Each would represent a different piece of the Italian sports mosaic: the spectacularity of athletics, the tradition of alpine skiing, the courage of ice disciplines.