MILAN, Italy, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The organizers of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games on Monday unveiled the official torches that will carry the flame of the Games, highlighting themes of Italian design, technological innovation and environmental sustainability.

Named "Essential," the torches were presented simultaneously at the Triennale di Milano in Italy and at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, in a ceremony underscoring both the international spirit of the Olympic Movement and the deep cultural roots of the host country.

Four celebrated athletes took part in the twin launch events: Stefania Belmondo, Olympic champion and the final torchbearer of Torino 2006, and Paralympic fencing gold medalist Bebe Vio introduced the torches in Milan, while Paralympic champion Martina Caironi and Sochi 2014 figure skating bronze medalist Carolina Kostner participated in the unveiling in Osaka.

The design of the torch pays tribute to simplicity and strength. Developed by Italian energy company Eni in collaboration with Versalis, and crafted by Studio Carlo Ratti Associati, the torch emphasizes the flame at its core, with a sleek, minimalist form and an iridescent finish. Two versions were revealed - one in blue-green for the Olympic Games, the other in bronze for the Paralympic Games.

Weighing just over one kilogram and produced entirely in Italy, each torch is made from a recycled aluminium and brass alloy. With reusability and sustainability in focus, the torches can be refilled and reused up to 10 times, significantly reducing production volume for the torch relays.

Powering the torch is bio-LPG, a renewable fuel derived from waste materials such as used cooking oil and animal fats, produced at Eni's biorefinery in Gela, Sicily. The burner, considered the technological heart of the torch, is visible for the first time thanks to an open design - offering the public a rare view into the mechanics that keep the Olympic flame alight.

Color choices reflect deep symbolism: "Shades of Sky" - a nod to Italy's dynamic natural landscapes - decorates the Olympic torch, evoking movement, hope and transformation. The Paralympic torch features "Mountains of Light," symbolizing resilience, strength and the transformative power of sport.

Organizers emphasized that each torch serves as both a functional object and a cultural icon - embodying the spirit of unity and excellence that defines the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Following the torch relays, the Olympic torch will become part of the official collection at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

The torches will be on public display at the Italia Pavilion throughout Expo 2025 in Osaka, and at the Triennale di Milano from May 2025 until the conclusion of the Games. Enditem

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