In a ceremony that highlighted Italy’s Olympic pride, President Sergio Mattarella presented the flags to four athletes who will carry the nation’s colors at the opening night of the Milan-Cortina Winter Games.
The Flag-Handover
The handover took place at the presidential palace on Monday. Short-track speedskater Arianna Fontana, cross-country skier Federico Pellegrino, alpine skier Federica Brignone and curler Amos Mosaner received the Italian flag from President Mattarella. Skiers Chiara Mazzel and René De Silvestro, who will serve as flag bearers for the Paralympics, were also honored.
Opening-Ceremony Roles
Fontana and Pellegrino will carry the flag at the main opening ceremony held at Milan’s San Siro soccer stadium on Feb. 6. Brignone and Mosaner will perform the same honor at a simultaneous ceremony in Cortina d’Ampezzo on the same night.
Athlete Highlights
Arianna Fontana
Fontana has earned an Italian women’s record 11 Olympic medals across five Winter Games, beginning with Turin in 2006. She also carried Italy’s flag at the 2018 Pyeongchang opening ceremony. “Even if this will be my sixth Olympics, and my second time as flag bearer, it’s still emotional,” Fontana said.
Federico Pellegrino
Pellegrino is a two-time Olympic silver medalist.
Federica Brignone
Brignone is the defending overall World Cup champion and has a silver and two bronze Olympic medals. She is working to return from a major injury in time for the Games.
Amos Mosaner
Mosaner, together with Stefania Constantini, won gold in mixed doubles at the 2022 Beijing Games.
Paralympic Flag Bearers
Chiara Mazzel and René De Silvestro, both celebrated athletes, were recognized for their upcoming role as flag bearers at the Paralympic opening ceremony.
Key Takeaways
- President Mattarella handed flags to Arianna Fontana, Federico Pellegrino, Federica Brignone and Amos Mosaner.
- Fontana and Pellegrino will lead the opening ceremony at San Siro on Feb. 6.
- Brignone and Mosaner will perform the same honor in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The ceremony underscored Italy’s enthusiasm and pride as it prepares to host the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
