Why Olympians Get Stuffed Animals at Medal Ceremonies
When Olympic medalists step onto the podium in Milano Cortina, they receive more than gold, silver, or bronze. Alongside their medals at the 2026 Winter Games, athletes are also handed a commemorative stuffed animal. This year, that plush companion is Tina the Stoat, one of the official mascots of the Games.
The addition has prompted plenty of curiosity from viewers. Some athletes beam as they hold the toy for photos. Others, particularly those who fall just short of gold, appear more subdued. When the Canadian men’s ice hockey team received their stuffed stoats after losing the gold medal game to the United States in overtime, the contrast between the heartbreak of defeat and the presentation of a plush mascot did not go unnoticed.
Still, the practice of giving medalists a symbolic gift has become a modern Olympic tradition.
Why are Olympians given stuffed animals?
In recent Olympic cycles, organizers have paired medals with a commemorative item unique to the host city. The gesture is designed to give athletes a keepsake that reflects the culture and identity of the Games beyond the medal itself. At the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, medalists received bouquets and mascot memorabilia. At Beijing 2022, the panda mascot Bing Dwen Dwen became a global phenomenon and was frequently seen tucked under athletes’ arms on the podium.
Milano Cortina has continued that tradition with plush versions of its mascots. Olympians receive a Tina the Stoat plush along with one of the six small snowdrop characters known as “The Flo.” Paralympians receive a Milo the Stoat plush and a corresponding Flo.
The mascots are meant to embody the spirit of the host nation and create a lasting visual memory of the Games. In television broadcasts and photographs, the colorful plush toys add a celebratory, distinctly Italian touch to medal ceremonies.
Who is Tina the Stoat?
Tina and her sibling Milo were unveiled in February 2024 after winning a public poll that included more than 1,600 design submissions. The pair were created by students at the Istituto Comprensivo of Taverna.
The stoats, which are small ferret-like mammals also known as ermines, were chosen to represent the “contemporary, vibrant and dynamic Italian Spirit.” Their names reference the two host cities. Tina is short for Cortina d’Ampezzo, while Milo is short for Milan.
Tina, the elder sibling with lighter-colored fur, serves as the face of the Olympic Games. According to Games organizers, she was born in the Italian mountains but lives in the city. She is described as creative and passionate about art and music, with a motto of “dream big.”
Milo, who has darker brown fur and is missing one paw, represents the Paralympic Games. Organizers say he learned to walk with his tail and embodies the idea that “obstacles are trampolines,” highlighting resilience and innovation.
The siblings are joined by six small snowdrop characters called “The Flo,” designed by students at the Istituto Comprensivo Sabin. The Flo are split into two groups of three, representing the Olympics and the Paralympics. NBCOlympics.com describes them as “impish” companions who never leave Tina and Milo’s side.
What is a Stoat?
A stoat is a small mammal in the weasel family, closely related to ferrets and otters. One of its most distinctive features is its seasonal coat change. In winter, stoats in colder climates turn white to blend into snowy surroundings, similar to Tina’s lighter fur. In summer, they are brown, resembling Milo.
Stoats are native to Eurasia and northern parts of North America. Adult males typically measure between 7.4 and 12.8 inches long, while females are slightly smaller. The animal’s adaptability and seasonal transformation likely made it an appealing symbol for a Winter Games set against the Italian Alps.
More Than a Medal
For athletes who have trained for years, sometimes decades, the medal remains the ultimate prize. A plush toy does not replace the sting of a narrow loss or the joy of a hard-fought victory. But the stuffed mascots serve a different purpose. They are a reminder of where and when that achievement happened.
Long after the medal ceremony ends, Tina, Milo, and The Flo will sit on shelves, in trophy cases, or in family homes. They mark a specific Olympic chapter, one defined not just by competition, but by the culture and character of Milano Cortina 2026.
In that sense, the plush stoat is not just a toy. It is a symbol of the Games themselves.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.