'Finish line' in sight as Milan Games' countdown begins

With the clock ticking down to the start of an unusually intricate and Winter Olympics with far-flung venues, organisers of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Games say they are on track.

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Chief executive of the Games Andrea Varnier declared on Oct 29, as the hosts marked the 100 days to the opening ceremony: “Our complex organisational model is falling into place.”

The complete medal designs were revealed at the ceremony in Milan, with Giovanni Malago, president of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Foundation, telling AFP the preparations for the Feb 6-22 Games are under control.

“We can see the finish line,” Malago said, “but even if the schedule is met, we can’t waste a single day before kickoff.”

Christophe Dubi, executive director of the Games at the International Olympic Committee (IOC), acknowledged that the 2026 event, spread across northern Italy from Milan to the Dolomites, present a challenge for fans because “you don’t go from Milan to Cortina by fast train”.

Organisers are making an effort to create a sense of community for athletes and fans.