The ceremony was led by two of Italy’s sporting icons, Federica Pellegrini, the country’s most decorated swimmer, and Paralympic legend Francesca Porcellato, a veteran of 13 Games with 15 medals to her name.
According to the Olympic organisation, “the medals feature a unique design that combines two halves that symbolise the culmination of the athlete’s journey and all those who have walked beside them along the way.”
The medals’ design also reflects the unity of the host cities, Milano and Cortina.