The Olympic torch is making its way around Italy ahead of the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, visiting 60 Italian cities over 63 days. Among the 10,001 torchbearers who will take part in this year’s Olympic torch relay, which kicked off in Rome on Dec. 6, was ultramarathon legend Courtney Dauwalter.
“A huge honour to carry the Olympic torch in Italy!” Dauwalter wrote on Instagram. “Felt the weight of the dreams, the teamwork, the dedication, the patience, the joy, the nerves and the beauty of trying hard all in this torch as it makes its way towards the opening ceremonies. Thank you for the inspiration! Grazie mille!”
Sporting an all-white Milano Cortina 2026 uniform–white jacket, pants and gloves–Dauwalter received the Olympic flame on a rainy day on the streets of Italy. She ran and carried the torch for about a 200-metre leg before passing it along, appearing thrilled to be taking part in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
A Hopkins, Minn. native, Dauwalter is well-known for her dominance in ultra-distance races, with multiple victories at the Western States 100 (WSER) and Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). Now based in Leadville, Colo., the Salomon athlete is also known for her “love for long inseams,” embracing a signature baggy-short racing style.
What is the Olympic torch relay?
The Olympic torch relay is a ceremonial tradition leading up to each Olympic Games, with thousands of torchbearers working together to carry the Olympic flame across the host nation to symbolize peace, friendship and inclusivity.
Who is named a torchbearer?
Torchbearers are selected to represent diversity and togetherness in society. They often include former Olympic and Paralympic champions, prominent athletes and influential members of the public.
Notable torchbearers from athletics include Olympic sprint champions Marie-José Pérec of France and Cathy Freeman of Australia as well as American Olympic legend Carl Lewis–who carried the torch at Paris 2024. Canada has also been represented by figures such as Bill Crothers of Markham, Ont., the 1964 Olympic 800m silver medallist.
Among famous torchbearers have included Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Nelson Mandela.
Most recently making headlines are Heated Rivalry co-stars, Hudson Williams of Kelowna, B.C., and Connor Storrie of Texas, who were also invited to Italy on Sunday to carry the Olympic flame. Heated Rivalry is a Canadian queer sports romance TV series filmed in the Greater Toronto Area that became an overnight sensation in November.
The 2026 Olympic torch relay will conclude at the opening ceremonies on Feb. 6 in Milan.