Olympic Mascot 2026: Meet Tina and Milo, the Stars of Milan Cortina
PREDAZZO, Italy – As the excitement builds for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, it’s not just the athletes capturing hearts. Tina and Milo, the official mascots of the Games, have quickly become breakout stars, charming fans and selling out merchandise across venues. These aren’t your typical Olympic mascots; they’re stoats – playful relatives of the weasel found throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.
A Tina mascot in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The signature emblem of these Games has been popular; the plush dolls were a hot-selling item.
Behind the Fur: Meet Giacomo Di Pumpo
But who brings these adorable characters to life? Meet Giacomo Di Pumpo, a 19-year-old student from Milan who spends his days embodying Tina and Milo. Di Pumpo, sporting black cargo pants, a hoodie, and a stylish collection of studs and chains, transforms into a massive, smiling stoat, spreading joy throughout the stadiums.
Di Pumpo’s journey to becoming an Olympic mascot is an unexpected one. Initially enrolled in an economics program at the University of Milan, he realized it wasn’t the right fit and decided to pursue a career path that ignited his passion. A friend connected him with an events and marketing agency, leading to a unique opportunity: becoming one of the official mascots.
From Ramen to Representing Italy
Before donning the stoat costume, Di Pumpo worked for the agency selling ramen. When he learned about the mascot role, he immediately reached out to his best friend, who now performs as a mascot in Anterselva. Together, they’re bringing the spirit of the 2026 Olympic mascot to life across different venues.
Di Pumpo is currently portraying Tina in Val di Fiemme, and will also take on the role of Milo – a stoat born without one leg who uses his tail to walk – during the Paralympics in March. Despite having no prior experience in dance or theater, he’s quickly adapted, drawing on his experience as a steward at Milan’s San Siro Stadium.
Spreading Joy and Embracing the Role
“I don’t think it’s really a job, because it’s really fun,” Di Pumpo says. “You just need to be a happy person, and you just need to dance.” He delights in the enthusiastic reactions from fans, who chant “Tina! Tina! Tina!” and request photos and dance moves, particularly the popular “6-7” hand gesture.
The only challenge? The heat! Wearing three pairs of socks to make the shoes fit, Di Pumpo admits to sweating profusely after each performance. But for him, it’s a small price to pay for the opportunity to represent his city and country.
A Connection to Home
Di Pumpo feels a strong connection to Tina and Milo, who were designed by Italian students in Calabria – the region where his mother is from. He’s incredibly grateful to be a part of the Games, especially in his home city. “It’s something important not just for me but for Milan,” he says. “I really love my city, and I love Italy so much.”
The Olympic mascots are more than just cute faces; they embody the spirit of the Games and connect with fans on a personal level. Tina and Milo, brought to life by passionate performers like Giacomo Di Pumpo, are proving to be unforgettable symbols of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Learn more about the 2026 Winter Olympics: https://olympics.com/en/olympic-winter-games/milan-cortina-2026
