The heritage of Cortina d’Ampezzo 1956
Cortina d’Ampezzo’s beloved Stefania Constantini is poised to take to the ice at the famed Italian ski resort’s Olympic Ice Stadium and skilfully deliver stones in quest of a second Olympic curling gold medal.
Her presence and performance will also be highly symbolic, linking the future vision of the Olympic Movement with a time and setting, an iconic venue, from 70 years ago.
It is nice to know that the same venue is hosting two editions of such an important event – in 1956 curling was not an Olympic sport but, now that it is, we can experience it in this amazing venue.
Constantini captured Italian hearts partnering with Amos Mosaner to strike gold in the mixed doubles curling event at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022. The dynamic duo finished undefeated at 11-0, their dominant performance ensuring the first Olympic curling medal in Italy’s history.
The 25-year-old Constantini aims to compete in both mixed doubles and the women’s team event at her second Olympic Winter Games. The Olympic curling champion envisions the magical experience that Cortina d’Ampezzo and its paradisal surroundings will provide athletes, fans and visitors alike.
The athletes will be lucky to experience the Olympics in a wonderful part of Italy. Cortina is a small town, which is why I am sure it will warmly welcome these Winter Olympics.
Cortina’s Olympic Ice Stadium opened in 1954 and now showcases an impressive blend of modern design, while retaining aspects, including part of its original wooden tribune, from the VII Olympic Winter Games. In 1956, the venue was home to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and men’s ice hockey and figure skating competitions, all creating indelible memories. In 2026, the modernised and enclosed stadium will be solely dedicated to curling.
“The good thing is that people can experience different cities and towns and moreover the whole country can benefit from it, both from a tourism perspective as well as general development of the nation,” Constantini says. “It could be a good opportunity to see and experience our wonderful places with unique vibes.”