Meet Tina: The Stoat Mascot of the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo
The mascot for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, is a stoat, a relative of the weasel known for its sharp teeth. Stoats have a unique feature where their coat changes color from brown in summer to white in winter, also known as ermine. These animals are found across Europe, Asia, and North America, ranging from 6 inches to 1 foot in length.
Stoats have gained some notoriety in New Zealand, where they were introduced in the 19th century to control rabbits but have since caused havoc among native species. In Italy, a group of students designed the stoat mascot, which won a public poll to become the official mascot for the Games. The mascot for the Paralympic Games, which will follow in March, is another stoat named Milo, representing Milan, and is distinguished by its brown color.
Tina, the main stoat mascot, is described as passionate about art and music, believing in the power of beauty and nature. The organizers claim that Tina and Milo represent the contemporary, vibrant, and dynamic Italian spirit. Stuffed versions of Tina are being given out with medals at the Games, alongside six snowdrop flowers known as “the Flo,” who are said to be troublemakers in a lovable way.
Throughout Olympic history, various mascots have represented different host cities, from Smoky the dog in 1932 Los Angeles to Miraitowa the robot in Tokyo 2021. The 2026 Winter Games in Italy have chosen a stoat as their mascot, a departure from previous mascots like a hat in Paris 2024 or a snowball and ice cube in Turin 2006. The stoat mascot is a more traditional and endearing choice compared to some of the more controversial mascots of the past.