Teenage Stoats Mark a Generational First (Image Credits: Flickr)
Milano Cortina, Italy – Sibling stoats Milo and Tina emerged as the official mascots for the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, injecting youthful energy into the upcoming events.[1][2]
Teenage Stoats Mark a Generational First
Organizers hailed Milo and Tina as the first openly Gen Z mascots, portraying the pair as cheerful teenagers who embody determination and a playful irreverence toward authority.[1] These energetic siblings wear colorful scarves and represent the lively, adaptable spirit of modern Italy. Stoats, known scientifically as short-tailed weasels, thrive in the Alps with their agility and seasonal fur changes – from brown in summer to white in winter.[3]
The duo’s youthful vibe aligns perfectly with the Games’ push toward sustainability and inclusivity. Tina, the Olympic mascot with cream-colored fur and a brown-tipped tail, channels creativity from her city life. Milo, her darker-furred brother for the Paralympics, turns challenges into triumphs, having learned to walk with his tail after being born without a paw.[2]
From Student Sketches to Global Icons
Italy’s Ministry of Education sparked the mascot hunt by inviting schoolchildren to submit designs, resulting in over 1,600 entries from students aged 6 to 14. Calabria’s Istituto Comprensivo di Taverna created the winning stoat concept, edging out a flower pair from Lombardy in a public poll.[1] Organizers unveiled Milo and Tina on February 7, 2024, at Italy’s Sanremo Music Festival – almost exactly two years before the Milan opening ceremony.[3]
Plush versions of the mascots appeared in Cortina d’Ampezzo as early as November 2025, signaling their rising popularity. The names nod to host cities: Milo from Milano, Tina from Cortina d’Ampezzo. This collaborative process highlighted youth involvement, mirroring the mascots’ Gen Z ethos.[2]
Distinct Personalities Drive Their Appeal
| Mascot | Role | Key Traits | Backstory Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tina | Olympic | Creative, art-loving city explorer | “I like to explore, to try new things, to change. Every winter… nothing can keep me from returning to my beloved mountains.”[1] |
| Milo | Paralympic | Inventive prankster, resilient inventor | “Obstacles… become super trampolines!”[1] |
Tina embodies the motto “Dream big,” passionate about music and nature’s beauty while bridging urban and alpine worlds. Milo favors mountain mischief, crafting instruments from wood and viewing differences as strengths. Their bond underscores themes of family and adventure.[2]
- Agile hunters capable of tackling prey five times their size through hypnotic “dances.”
- Symbols of purity and nobility, as in Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine.
- Resilient adapters to harsh environments, much like athletes at the Games.
- Curious explorers promoting environmental respect.
Team Flo Adds Floral Flair
The stoats do not journey alone; six anthropomorphic snowdrop flowers, dubbed The Flo, join as sidekicks from the runner-up design. These resilient blooms symbolize hope and rebirth, always sticking by friends despite mishaps.[3] The Flo enhance the mascots’ fun-loving crew, blending stoat speed with floral perseverance.
Merchandise like 2025 Euro coins featuring the quartet already circulates, building anticipation. This ensemble promises vibrant activations leading into the Games.[3]
- Milo and Tina blend Italian heritage with Gen Z dynamism for inclusive storytelling.
- Student-led creation fosters generational connection to the Olympics.
- Their stoat traits – curiosity, resilience – mirror athletic excellence and adaptation.
As Milano Cortina 2026 unfolds, Milo and Tina stand ready to welcome the world, proving mascots can evolve with the times. Their story reminds us that big dreams and playful spirits fuel extraordinary achievements. What do you think of these stoat stars? Tell us in the comments.
