A brewing controversy has engulfed the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics torch relay, with decorated Italian Olympians expressing profound outrage over their exclusion from the ceremonial event. The dispute reached political dimensions as government officials demanded explanations from organizers.
Five-time Olympic cross-country skiing medalist Silvio Fauner spearheaded the criticism, characterizing the selection of entertainment personalities over athletes as “an incredible insult.” Fauner, who secured relay gold at the 1994 Lillehammer Games, revealed that multiple Olympic champions including Marco Albarello, Giorgio Di Centa, Cristian Zorzi and Pietro Piller Cottrer shared his indignation at being completely excluded from Games-related activities.
Organizers defended their selection process, noting that Fauner’s current political role as a town councillor in Sappada automatically disqualifies him from participation. The Milan-Cortina committee emphasized that numerous Italian athletic champions had already carried the torch during its initial 36 stages, representing various winter sports disciplines and generations.
The controversy attracted immediate political attention. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini’s far-right League party issued a statement condemning the “incomprehensible and disconcerting” torchbearer selections. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi formally requested clarification from organizing bodies regarding selection criteria, acknowledging his own surprise at the exclusion of sports legends.
The Olympic flame continues its two-month journey across Italy, covering 12,000 kilometers with 10,001 bearers before reaching Milan’s San Siro stadium for the February 6 opening ceremony, now shadowed by this escalating dispute between athletic achievement and celebrity recognition.