Greece’s top Alpine skier, AJ Ginnis, will have the honor of being the first torchbearer for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina. Selected by the Hellenic Olympic Committee in an unanimous decision, Ginnis will lead the torch relay following the traditional flame lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia on November 26, 2025.
“Alexandros Ginnis is the top Greek athlete in alpine skiing, having achieved the highest distinction ever by a Greek: second place at the Alpine Skiing World Championship. He will represent our country in the upcoming Winter Olympic Games, and we believe he will once again give his best effort.” -President of the Olympic Torch Relay Committee, Thomas Tokas
The 30-year-old skier was born in Athens and made history in 2021 as the first Alpine skier representing Greece to earn FIS Alpine World Cup points. After spending his early years in Greece, Ginnis moved to the United States at 16 and initially competed for Team USA before switching back to represent Greece in 2020. Since then, he has achieved several milestones for Greek skiing, including a World Cup podium finish and a World Championships silver medal in slalom.
After the Greek leg of the relay, the Olympic Flame will be handed over to Italy in Athens on December 4, and will arrive in Rome on December 6 for the Italian portion of the relay. The Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony is set for February 6, 2026, at the Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium.
images from Hellenic Olympic Committee Facebook