Who will light the Olympic flame? Latest updates on Italy's torch bearer for 2026 opening ceremony

The 2026 Winter Olympics are nearly here, and the world will be eagerly awaiting the opening ceremonies from Milan, Italy. The opening ceremony of each Olympics is special, signifying both the start of the games itself, while also paying tribute to the host country. 

One of the most anticipated parts of the ceremony is the lighting of the Olympic flame. Typically, the honors are given to someone with a special connection to either the host country or the games themselves.

Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Winter Olympics torchbearer for the Milano Cortina 2026 games. 

MORE: When do the Winter Olympics start? Opening ceremony date, time, schedule for 2026 Games

Who will light the Olympic flame in 2026?

The last person to hold the torch and light the Olympic flame is typically kept secret until the moment happens live during the ceremony. But the person will likely be someone with strong ties to both the Olympics and host country of Italy. 

When do they light the Olympic cauldron?

The Olympic cauldron is typically lit as one of the last parts of the opening ceremony. Although there will be some events starting for the Milano Cortina games before the opening ceremony, the lighting signifies the official opening of the games itself. 

The lighting usually happens after all of the athletes and coaches process into the venue representing their home countries. With the athletes in attendance and the world watching, the lighting of the Olympic cauldron will likely be among the final actions during the opening ceremony to mark the unofficial start of the Winter Games in Italy.

Olympic torch bearers 2026

There are several prominent names that have been selected as torch bearers, and 10,000 individuals are involved. Rower Petros Gkaidatzis was the first torchbearer after the flame was lit in Olympia, and water polo player Eleni Xenaki from Greece was the last torchbearer for the Greek leg of the torch's journey. 

For the Italian leg of the journey on its way to Milan, the torch bearers will include sport shooter Abhinav Bindra, footballers Cristiana Girelli and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and tennis star Jasmine Paolini. 

But there will be non-athletes participating as well. Actress Ludovica Gargari from Italy is participating, as are stars of the hockey show "Heated Rivalry", Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams. K-pop singer Sunghoon of  ENHYPEN will also be part of the torch-bearing. 

History of the Olympic flame

The origins of the Olympic flame date back to 1928, when Amsterdam hosted the Summer Games. For the very first time, a tower was lit to signify to those in and around Amsterdam that the games were taking place. 

The idea originated from the ancient Greek ceremonies, during which a sacred fire was kept burning throughout the celebration of the ancient Olympics on the altar. In Ancient Greek mythology, fire was considered divine.  

Here's a look at some of the past lighters of the Olympic flame: