As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games approach their final weekend, the official mascots—a pair of sibling stoats named Tina and Milo—have emerged as the breakout stars of the tournament. With the Games running from 06 February to 22 February 2026, these “Gen Z” mascots have sparked a merchandise frenzy across Italy and Canada.
The duo represents the two host cities: Tina (a white stoat) is named after Cortina d’Ampezzo, while Milo (a brown stoat) takes his name from Milano. While Tina serves as the primary face of the Olympic Winter Games, Milo is the official mascot for the upcoming Paralympic Winter Games, scheduled to begin on 06 March 2026.
The “Stoat” Phenomenon
Chosen via a public vote that saw over 1,600 entries from Italian school children, the stoats—members of the weasel family native to the Italian Alps—were selected for their resilience and adaptability. According to Olympic organizers, the characters are designed to be the “first openly Gen Z mascots,” featuring a vibrant, contemporary aesthetic that has resonated with younger audiences.
Canadian athletes have also joined the “Mascot Mania.” Speed skater Valerie Maltais recently shared her affection for Tina during a CBC interview, following her medal-winning performances. However, fans looking to bring home a piece of the Games are facing challenges; reports from 21 February 2026 indicate that Tina and Milo plushies have become a “hot commodity,” with stock selling out rapidly in both Milan and international markets, including Saskatchewan.
Beyond the Main Duo: The “Flo” and Rivals
While Tina and Milo dominate the spotlight, they are supported by a group of six small sketches known as The Flo. These characters represent different creative and athletic spirits:
- Olympic Flos: Sport Flo, Cute Flo, and Genius Flo.
- Paralympic Flos: Fashion Flo, Super Flo, and Rock Flo.
Despite their official status, the stoats have faced some lighthearted competition for the title of “fan favourite.” Team Poland’s unofficial pierogi plushie has become a viral sensation, often seen being waved by athletes and fans in the stands, challenging the stoats for social media dominance.
A Global Stage
In a display of international Olympic spirit on 20 February 2026, Tina welcomed a special guest to Milan: Ayo, the mascot for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The meeting of the two mascots highlighted the transition from the winter snow of Italy to the upcoming summer events in Senegal later this year.
As the closing ceremony nears, the success of Tina and Milo has solidified their place in Olympic history, proving that even the smallest carnivores can leave a massive footprint on the world stage.