How the Olympic Torchbearers Are Chosen

The Selection Process of Olympic Torchbearers Revealed

In the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, an elaborate selection process has been put into place to choose the torchbearers who will carry the flame along a winding route through various cities and territories. The torchbearers are chosen based on symbolic criteria, Olympic values, and community involvement.

Organizers identify individuals who best represent the spirit of the Olympics, including athletes, volunteers, and everyday citizens who have made significant contributions to society through their work or personal projects. These individuals embody the values that the Olympics stand for, such as solidarity, inclusion, and civic engagement.

Institutional partners, schools, associations, local authorities, and sponsors also play a role in the selection process, bringing their expertise and perspectives to the table. The goal is not to select popular figures but rather individuals who can carry an inspiring message during their stretch of the journey.

As the flame passes from torch to torch, it becomes a symbol that unites different cultures and places. When the torch goes out due to wind or rain, special lanterns are used to keep the connection to the original flame intact. This tradition ensures continuity and maintains the emotional significance of the Olympic flame.

The selection process is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Olympics, which values community involvement, civic engagement, and the connection between people from different backgrounds. The torchbearers who carry the flame in 2026 will be an integral part of this story, spreading the message of unity and solidarity that defines the Olympic Games.

Over 10,000 torchbearers were chosen for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, with more than 500 selected for the Paralympic flame. The flame was lit in Olympia on November 26 and departed from Rome in early December, beginning its journey through Italy before arriving at the mountains where competitions will be held.

omg can you believe they chose over 10k torchbearers it's such an amazing way to spread the Olympic spirit & unity the fact that everyday citizens are involved in the selection process is so cool it's not just about popular figures, but people who've made a difference in their communities and I love how they use special lanterns when the torch goes out it's like a little piece of magic can't wait to see all these incredible torchbearers on their journey!

I'm so down for this selection process . I mean, who wouldn't want to carry that iconic torch? It's like, you're not just representing yourself, but the whole Olympic vibe . And it's cool that they're choosing people from all walks of life, not just athletes or celebrities. I'm thinking someone like a firefighter or a volunteer coordinator would be awesome - they're literally making a difference in their community every day . Plus, can you imagine seeing those special lanterns when the torch is out? That's just so cool . And did you see that they lit the flame in Olympia? What an incredible history behind it . I'm excited to see who gets picked as a torchbearer and what amazing stories come out of it

I don't get why they need so many torchbearers . Like, can't we just have a few good ones who are actually inspiring or something? I mean, 10,000 seems like way too many people to be carrying around that flame for all those miles... it's gonna be hard on them, you know? And what's with the lanterns when it gets dark? It's like they're trying to preserve some magical mystery or something . I guess I can see why they want community involvement and stuff, but just not sure if 10,000 is really necessary...

omg what a load of fluff the fact that they got over 10k torchbearers is just soooo unnecessary like who's gonna even remember most of them lol? it's all about the athletes and those who are actually making a difference in society, not some random joe off the street. plus can we talk about how cheesy the whole lantern thing sounds when the torch goes out

OMG I'm so hyped about the torchbearers selection process! They're choosing regular folks who are all about community and civic engagement... it's like they want to spread the love and unity vibe . I mean, who doesn't love a good story of ordinary people becoming heroes? The way they use lanterns when the flame goes out is genius too ... it's like they're keeping the spirit alive even when the torch isn't shining bright. Over 10k torchbearers?! That's amazing can't wait to see all these inspiring stories unfold!

I'm loving this selection process for Olympic torchbearers . It's so cool that they're choosing everyday people who have made a difference in their communities - I've got a friend who was one of them and she said it was such an incredible experience to carry the flame for just a few hours, but feel like they were carrying it forever . And can we talk about how beautiful those lanterns are when the torch goes out? It's amazing that they're using that as a way to keep the spirit of the Olympics alive even in bad weather . I'm sure our kids will love watching the torchbearers on TV and feeling like they're part of something special too

I love how they chose a diverse group of people to carry the torch - it's so cool to see everyday folks who are making a difference in their communities get recognized . I think it's really awesome that institutions, schools, and local authorities are involved in the selection process too, because it shows everyone has a stake in representing the Olympics' values . And can we talk about those lanterns when the torch goes out? Like, what a beautiful way to keep the flame alive! It's all about unity and connection between people from different backgrounds - I'm so here for that .

I'm so hyped about this selection process! It's amazing to see how the Olympics are all about spreading unity and solidarity through these incredible torchbearers . I love that they're not just choosing popular figures, but people who truly represent the spirit of the Olympics . And can you believe over 10,000 people were chosen?! That's so inspiring! The tradition with those special lanterns when the torch goes out is also super cool . It's amazing to see how this event brings everyone together and makes them feel connected . Can't wait for the Olympics to start and see all these amazing people shining bright with the flame !

The torchbearers are like the people's representatives - they're chosen to symbolize the Olympic spirit and values, but what about representation from different regions? Shouldn't we have more diversity among the selected torchbearers to truly reflect the Italian society? I mean, think about it, 10,000+ torchbearers is a big number, but are they all from Italy? What about people of other nationalities living in Italy or participating in local projects? Shouldn't we see more international flair in this selection process?

I think this is such a cool process . It's awesome that they're not just picking famous people, but everyday heroes who are making a difference in their communities. I love how it involves so many different groups and organizations - schools, associations, local authorities... it's all about inclusivity and representation . And the tradition of using lanterns to keep the flame going when it gets blown out? Genius . It really highlights the power of human connection and community spirit during the Olympics. I'm definitely rooting for these 10,000+ torchbearers to spread that message worldwide !

just saw that over 10k torchbearers were chosen for Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, it's actually pretty cool how they're selected based on community involvement and Olympic values it's not just about popular figures, but people who can spread an inspiring message during their journey

can't believe it's been over a year since the Milano Cortina Olympics... feels like just yesterday I was watching those torchbearers make their way through Italy . anyway, 10k+ people is a big deal, gotta love how the selection process focuses on everyday citizens who've made a difference in their communities . and omg, special lanterns for when the flame goes out? genius!

I'm super skeptical about these torchbearers being chosen based on "symbolic criteria". Like, what even is that? Can't they just pick someone with a good Instagram following or something? I mean, it's not like we need some deep, meaningful connection to the Olympics' values to be worthy of carrying a flame. And what about all these institutional partners and local authorities? Are they just being given free passes because of their connections? It seems super corrupt .

man, it's crazy to think that they're selecting over 10k people just to carry a torch like, what's the criteria for these people? are they chosen based on their social media following or is it really about who embodies the Olympic values? and i'm curious about this lantern thing when the flame goes out - that's some next-level thinking, right? but overall, i think it's awesome to see how inclusive and community-focused the Olympics are. having torchbearers from all walks of life can only bring positivity and inspiration to people around the world

OMG I cant even handle how much good news this is!!! Like they actually chose people who made a diff for their communities and not just some famous athlete LOL . And its not just about the athletes but everyday ppl who are doing stuff that matters. Its so inspiring to see! The way they use special lanterns when the flame goes out? Genius . This whole thing is just so beautiful and heartwarming . I wish more events would do this kinda thing, spread positivity and unity instead of all the drama .

aww man it's so beautiful to see all these ppl coming together to spread love & unity thru the Olympic torchbearers i think its amazing that they're choosing ppl from all walks of life who have made a positive impact in their communities, its like the olympics is giving them a platform to shine and thats what makes it so inspiring to see the whole journey unfold

Man, I'm so down for this torchbearer selection process, it's like they're actually trying to make the Olympics feel like a real community thing . I love how they're choosing people from all walks of life who embody the values of solidarity and inclusion. It's not just about some A-list athlete or celebrity, but everyday folks who are making a difference in their own communities.

And can we talk about how cool it is that they use those lanterns when the torch goes out? Like, it's this amazing tradition that keeps the flame burning, even when the wind and rain come knocking . It's all about preserving the emotional significance of the Olympic flame, you know?

I mean, I'm not gonna lie, I get a little nostalgic thinking about how this used to be back in the day, when the Olympics were still kinda fresh and exciting . But hey, I guess that's just part of growing up, right? Still, it's awesome to see the torchbearers selection process is all about spreading unity and solidarity – that's what the Olympics should always be about .

omg i'm getting chills just thinking about those torchbearers carrying the flame its such an amazing symbol of unity and solidarity i love how they're not just selecting popular athletes but everyday citizens who have made a difference in their communities it's so inspiring to see people from different backgrounds coming together like this

** torchbearers **

i think what i love most about this selection process is how it involves so many people from different backgrounds & communities . like, who gets to decide who's "representative" of the olympics? not just athletes or celebrities, but everyday citizens making a difference in their own ways .

and have you seen the route they're taking? it's gonna be epic ! like, from rome all the way up to milan & cortina, it's gonna be such a cool thing for people to witness. and the lanterns when the torch goes out? genius

but what really gets me is how this whole process brings people together . it's not just about the athletes or the flame, but about the community & the values that the olympics stand for .

btw, i drew a little diagram to illustrate my thoughts: ` torchbearers
|
|-- everyday citizens
|-- athletes & volunteers
|-- institutional partners & sponsors
|
|-- symbolic criteria (solidarity, inclusion, etc.) `

does anyone else have any thoughts on this?