Biathlete Lisa Vittozzi and speed skater Davide Ghiotto have been selected as Italy’s flag-bearers for the closing ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The ceremony will take place on Sunday at the historic Arena di Verona.
Vittozzi, 31, secured a landmark victory in the women’s 10km pursuit, claiming Italy’s first individual Olympic gold medal in biathlon. She also played a key role in the mixed relay team that captured silver, underlining her status as one of the standout performers of the Games.
Ghiotto, 32, was part of the men’s speed skating team pursuit trio that won gold alongside Andrea Giovannini and Michele Malfatti. The victory marked a significant achievement for Italy in a discipline traditionally dominated by northern European nations.
With three days remaining before the closing ceremony, Milano Cortina has already become Italy’s most successful Winter Olympics. The Azzurri have won 26 medals, surpassing the previous record of 20 set at Lillehammer 1994. The current tally includes nine gold medals, reflecting strong performances across biathlon, speed skating and other winter disciplines.
Italian Olympic officials said the choice of Vittozzi and Ghiotto recognises both individual excellence and team achievement at a Games that has marked a historic milestone for the host nation.
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