Sanremo, February 13, 2025 – Coca-Cola today unveiled its first three torchbearers of the Journey of the Olympic Flame of the XXV Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games at Casa Coca-Cola in Sanremo. These are three exceptional personalities, representatives of different worlds but united by Olympic values and the spirit of inclusion:
· Mahmood: the rhythm that unites.
In the context of the Sanremo Festival, a protagonist of the Italian and international music scene such as Mahmood could not be missing, who this year plays the role of co-host on the evening of Friday 14 February: award-winning author and singer, a symbol of great creativity and inclusiveness, and in addition to accompanying Coca-Cola during 2025 in several key moments, he will play the role of torchbearer, bringing his talent and values to the Journey of the Olympic Flame.
"It is an honor for me to take part in this Coca-Cola project as a torchbearer and to have the opportunity to bring the Olympic Flame, a symbol of values both related to the world of sport and universal ones such as unity and peace. It is a role that over the years has been covered not only by excellent sportsmen, who have made history, but also by personalities from the world of entertainment and great musicians." said Mahmood.
· Deborah Compagnoni: the value of legacy.
An icon of Italian sport and a legend of alpine skiing, Deborah Compagnoni embodies sporting excellence and social commitment. Already a torchbearer in Turin 2006, she is a symbol of passion and dedication inspired by the values of the Olympic Movement. In addition to her successes on the slopes, Deborah stands out for her role as President of the Sciare per la Vita ODV Association, through which she promotes charity initiatives for children related to sport.
"The Milano Cortina 2026 Games will be the Games of the whole of Italy, which is why The Journey of the Olympic Flame will touch many territories. The Olympics are an event of great value that creates pride". said Deborah Compagnoni, champion of alpine skiing, winner of three gold medals and an Olympic silver, as well as 3 world golds and a giant slalom world cup and since 2021, Ambassador of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games. "I have always competed in the Olympics abroad but as an Italian citizen I think it is a great emotion to have this event in Italy, I am proud to support Coca-Cola in the role of Torchbearer of the Journey of the Olympic Flame with the aim of conveying the importance of Olympic values. The Olympics are a strong message for society because sport unites, I trust in the final message, that they leave something important in our Italy. I believe in the values of sport not only as Olympic values, but also precisely in the importance of sports practice for young people".
· Eros Zanotti (Special Olympics athlete): inclusion in movement.
With the selection of cross-country skier Eros Zanotti, Coca-Cola - founding member and partner of Special Olympics - celebrates the power of sport as a tool for inclusion and social change. Ahead of the Special Olympics World Games to be held in Turin from 8 to 15 March 2025, the athlete of this extraordinary event will represent the social impact of sport and Coca-Cola's commitment to a more equitable and inclusive society.
"Being a Coca-Cola torchbearer on the Olympic Flame Journey to Milano Cortina 2026 is an indescribable emotion and a great honor. Sport has taught me to believe in myself, to overcome difficulties and to enhance my talent. But above all, it has shown me that with commitment and passion we can achieve extraordinary goals. I hope that this moment can inspire many people to never give up, because every challenge is an opportunity to prove one's worth. Sport is sharing, friendship and union: it unites people and makes us part of something bigger," said Zanotti.
Mahmood, Deborah Compagnoni and Eros Zanotti will therefore be part of the Extraordinary Journey through Italy of the Olympic Flame; an event that Coca-Cola is proud to support as Presenting Partner, continuing a special bond that has lasted for over 30 years, since its debut at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.
Through the selection of torchbearers, Coca-Cola will offer Italy the unique opportunity to carry the Olympic torch while the company's beverages will accompany the public in a memorable experience.