Milano Cortina 2026: Giovanni Malagò Welcomes the World as Winter Games Begin
MILAN, 06 February 2026 – Giovanni Malagò, the President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, has officially welcomed international athletes and dignitaries to Italy for the start of the XXV Olympic Winter Games. The opening ceremony, held this Friday evening at the San Siro Stadium, marks the culmination of an intensive organisational journey led by Malagò.
A Historic Opening Ceremony
The 2026 Winter Games have commenced with an unprecedented “four-site” opening ceremony, featuring dual cauldrons and extensive tributes to Italian culture. Speaking ahead of the event, Malagò highlighted the “impressive speed” with which the final preparations were completed, noting that the organising committee achieved a remarkable acceleration in the final 30 months of the project.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the week brought mixed results for Malagò on the diplomatic stage. During the 145th IOC Session, Malagò stood for election to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board. Following a tied first round of voting with 48 votes each, he was ultimately defeated by Neven Ilic, the President of Panam Sports.
Key Profile: Giovanni Malagò
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Roles | President of CONI; President of Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation |
| IOC Status | Member (Elected 19 February 2013) |
| Education | High School Diploma (Sciences) |
| Notable Achievement | Overseeing the first dual-cauldron Winter Olympics |
Focus on Legacy and Volunteers
Throughout the lead-up to the Games, Malagò has emphasised the human element of the event. He recently joined IOC officials to visit the Olympic Village in Milan, describing it as a representation of “the best of humanity.” He has also been vocal in his praise for the thousands of volunteers who are essential to the delivery of the Games across the various venues in Lombardy and Veneto.
While critics have pointed to the logistical challenges and the debt-ridden nature of modern mega-events, Malagò remains steadfast that 2026 will be “the year of Italy,” providing a lasting legacy for winter sports in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Giovanni Malagò elected to the IOC Executive Board?
No. In the election held during the 145th IOC Session in February 2026, Malagò was defeated by Neven Ilic after a tie-break in the first round of voting.
What is Malagò’s role in the 2026 Winter Olympics?
He serves as the President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, the body responsible for the organisation and delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Where did the 2026 Opening Ceremony take place?
The primary ceremony took place at the San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza) in Milan on 6 February 2026, with simultaneous events occurring across other key Olympic sites.