how did milan and cortina d'ampezzo win the bid to host the 2026 winter olympics

Deyi Xiabing

4 min read

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14-03-2025

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The Winning Bid: How Milan-Cortina Secured the 2026 Winter Olympics

The awarding of the 2026 Winter Olympics to the joint bid of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo marked a significant moment in the history of the Games. This victory wasn't a foregone conclusion; it represented the culmination of a meticulously crafted strategy, leveraging Italy's rich winter sports heritage, robust infrastructure, and a compelling vision for the future. Understanding how Milan-Cortina secured the bid requires examining several key factors: a compelling joint bid, a strong emphasis on sustainability, shrewd political maneuvering, and a fortunate alignment of circumstances.

A Joint Bid's Strategic Advantage:

The decision to present a joint bid between Milan, Italy's economic and logistical powerhouse, and Cortina d'Ampezzo, a renowned alpine resort town steeped in winter sports history, proved instrumental. This collaboration mitigated the risks and challenges often associated with hosting the Olympics. Cortina, having previously hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, provided a ready-made infrastructure, albeit needing upgrades, while Milan offered the necessary logistical support, accommodation capacity, and international connectivity.

The division of responsibilities was strategically crucial. Cortina would host the mountain events, leveraging its existing facilities and natural beauty. Milan, on the other hand, would be the hub for the indoor events and the Olympic Village, offering state-of-the-art venues and easy access for athletes, officials, and spectators. This approach addressed concerns about the financial burden and environmental impact, showing the IOC a plan that minimized construction and maximized existing resources. A single city bid, especially in a challenging economic climate, would have faced greater scrutiny.

Sustainability: A Core Tenet of the Bid:

The 2026 bid placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, a growing priority for the IOC. The Milan-Cortina bid recognized the environmental concerns surrounding large-scale sporting events and proposed a comprehensive plan to minimize their impact. This wasn't merely lip service; it formed the backbone of their presentation.

The bid highlighted the use of existing infrastructure and the repurposing of venues post-Games. This reduced the need for extensive new construction, significantly minimizing the carbon footprint. The emphasis on public transport, sustainable energy sources, and responsible waste management further strengthened the sustainability narrative. This commitment resonated with the IOC's evolving priorities, showcasing Italy’s commitment to responsible hosting. The bid actively promoted the use of renewable energy sources at venues and pledged to minimize transportation-related emissions through efficient public transport planning.

Political Backing and National Unity:

The Italian government’s unwavering support for the bid played a pivotal role in its success. Securing consistent and robust backing from the highest levels of government provided the necessary political stability and financial commitment to convince the IOC of Italy's ability to deliver on its promises. This strong political backing transcended partisan divides, presenting a unified front to the international community. This national unity was crucial in demonstrating to the IOC that the Games would enjoy widespread popular support and wouldn’t be bogged down in internal political disputes.

The Italian government also actively engaged with local communities, ensuring the bid addressed regional concerns and generated local buy-in. This prevented the kind of public opposition that had plagued other bids in the past, demonstrating a collaborative and inclusive approach.

Overcoming Challenges and Competing Bids:

The Milan-Cortina bid wasn't without its hurdles. Concerns about the cost of the Games, potential logistical challenges, and the need for infrastructure upgrades were addressed head-on. The bid committee presented detailed financial plans, risk mitigation strategies, and a realistic timeline for project implementation, alleviating many IOC concerns.

The competition was also fierce. Other bids, including Stockholm-Åre and Erzurum, presented strong cases. However, Stockholm-Åre’s bid faced internal political challenges and ultimately failed to secure the necessary funding. Erzurum, while offering attractive proposals, faced concerns about human rights and infrastructure limitations. These challenges, coupled with the Milan-Cortina bid’s stronger sustainability commitment and comprehensive plan, tipped the scales in its favor.

The Role of Legacy Planning:

The Milan-Cortina bid emphasized a strong legacy plan, outlining how the Games would benefit the host regions beyond 2026. This wasn't simply about the immediate impact but a vision for long-term economic development, improved infrastructure, and enhanced tourism. The bid detailed plans to repurpose Olympic venues for community use after the Games, ensuring lasting benefits for local residents. This included plans for converting venues into community centers, schools, or recreational facilities, showcasing a commitment beyond just the two weeks of competition. The long-term sustainability focus, both environmentally and economically, was a powerful element in their overall strategy.

The Winning Presentation:

The final presentation to the IOC was a polished and compelling performance. It showcased the strengths of the joint bid, highlighting the synergy between Milan and Cortina, the emphasis on sustainability, and the strong political backing from the Italian government. The presentation effectively conveyed Italy’s passion for winter sports, its rich history, and its commitment to hosting a memorable and responsible Olympics. The team effectively utilized visual aids, highlighting the beauty of the venues and the excitement of the Games. The clarity and confidence displayed during the presentation left a lasting impression on the IOC members.

In conclusion, the success of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics bid wasn't accidental. It was the result of a carefully planned and executed strategy that addressed the IOC's priorities, leveraged Italy's strengths, and overcame significant challenges. The joint bid, the emphasis on sustainability, strong political backing, and a compelling vision for the future all contributed to securing the Games, marking a significant moment in Italian sports history and setting a new standard for future Olympic bids. The success of Milan-Cortina serves as a case study in how a well-crafted strategy, combined with a genuine commitment to responsible hosting, can lead to a triumphant outcome.