Giovanni Malagò Hails ‘Historic’ Success as Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Conclude
VERONA, 22 February 2026 – Giovanni Malagò, the President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, has praised the “extraordinary” success of the Winter Games during a triumphant closing ceremony at the Verona Arena.
As the Winter Olympics drew to a close on Sunday, Malagò received a standing ovation from members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Addressing the global audience from the historic Roman amphitheatre, Malagò stated that Italy had “kept its promises” despite the logistical challenges of hosting the first “widespread” Games across northern Italy.
A Legacy of Resilience
The 2026 Games were marked by significant infrastructure debates, including the Italian government’s decision to build a new sliding centre rather than move events abroad. Malagò, who has led the organising committee through what he described as “challenging and difficult years,” noted that the results on the snow and ice have vindicated the effort. “We never tried to find alibis,” Malagò remarked during his closing address. “This success rewards years of hard work and proves that Italy is a winning team.”
Beyond the sporting achievements, Malagò highlighted the economic impact, previously citing figures of over €5 billion in revenue and investment related to the Games. The event also served as a showcase for Italian culture, with Malagò jokingly noting that the quality of the “ton of Grana Padano” and 1,800 metres of pizza served to athletes was as important as the quantity.
Giovanni Malagò: Career and Profile
Born in Rome in 1959, Malagò has been a dominant figure in Italian sports administration for over a decade. Before his move into the boardroom, he was an accomplished futsal player, winning the Italian Championship three times with Roma RCB. Since 1 January 2019, he has served as a member of the IOC, though he recently faced a setback in his bid for a seat on the IOC Executive Board.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Giovanni Malagò |
| Current Roles | President of CONI; President of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 |
| Date of Birth | 13 March 1959 |
| Sporting Background | Futsal (3x Italian Champion, 4x Italian Cup Winner) |
| IOC Membership | Effective from 1 January 2019 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Giovanni Malagò’s role in the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Malagò served as the President of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, the organising committee responsible for the delivery of the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Italy.
Did Giovanni Malagò play professional sports?
Yes, he was a high-level futsal (indoor football) player. He won the Italian national title three times with Roma RCB and the Italian Cup four times during his athletic career.
What is Malagò’s status within the International Olympic Committee?
He has been an individual IOC member since 2019. While he is a senior figure within the movement, he was not elected to the IOC Executive Board during the most recent rounds of voting.