Who loves the Olympics and Paralympics the most? Is it the athletes themselves? The coaches? The fanatics sitting at home, watching every minute of the Games with bated breath? All good choices. But another group would like to throw their hats in the ring: the Olympic mascots, who have been embodying the Olympic spirit since 1968. This year, the mascot family will welcome two new members: Tina and Milo, the sibling stoats who will represent the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
The two stoats (which are ferret-like animals also known as ermines) were designed by students at the Istituto Comprensivo of Taverna. Unveiled back in February 2024, they beat 1,600 other entrants in a public poll. The siblings get their names from the two host cities—Tina is short for Cortina d’Ampezzo, while Milo is short for Milan—and represent the “contemporary, vibrant and dynamic Italian Spirit.”
Tina, the elder sibling with lighter-colored fur, will be the face of the Olympic Games. Born in the Italian mountains but living in the city, she is a creative soul who loves art and music. Her motto is “dream big,” and she is passionate about the power of beauty and it’s ability to create change.
Meanwhile Milo, who very much embodies the younger-brother mentality, is mischievous and playful. Born with dark brown fur and without one paw, Milo learned to walk with his tail, and uses his creativity to invent new solutions (as well as musical instruments). Milo lives by the words “obstacles are trampolines,” and will be the face of the 2026 Paralympic Games.
While the two siblings have each other for company, they also will be joined on their quest by six little snowdrops called “The Flo,” which were designed by students at theIstituto Comprensivo Sabin. Funny and loyal, the little flowers will join the stoats in spreading joy and enthusiasm as the Games grow closer.
The siblings will have big shoes to fill, following Paris mascots The Phryges as well as Bing Dwen Dwen and Shuey Rhon Rhon, who captured hearts during the 2022 Beijing Olympics, but they are more than ready to take on the challenge.