Alumni

Daniele Della Rossa (BSc 2015) was selected as one of the 10,001 torchbearers for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

The Olympic torch relay saw the flame travel more than 12,000 kilometres over 63 days, beginning with the traditional lighting ceremony in Olympia on 26 November 2025. Torchbearers were chosen through an application process that invited individuals to share their personal stories and reflect the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, respect, courage and inspiration.

Daniele carried the torch in Modena on 8 January 2026, joining thousands of others in marking the journey of the flame across Italy in the lead-up to the Games.

Reflecting on the experience, he said:

“It is hard to find words to describe the feeling to carry the torch, when the whole world is watching you. I remember to hope to be inspiring for all the kids gathered in the streets cheering for the flame, to be one of the sparks that light their future and shape who they want to be.”

His participation in the historic relay represents a memorable milestone and a moment of inspiration shared on a global stage.

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First published: 20 May 2026