Olympics up close
The 2026 Winter Olympics are being held right on our doorstep, in Milan and Cortina, Italy. The event is sure to be full of excitement, emotions and sporting highlights, and our new stamp pays tribute to these moments.
From 6 to 22 February 2026, the eyes of the sporting world will be on Italy: around 2,900 athletes from more than 90 countries will compete for Olympic medals. Around 190 athletes will participate for Switzerland and for the first time, we’ll be represented in ski mountaineering. When the world’s best athletes are on the starting line, one person will be cheering them on from the stands: three time Olympic champion Vreni Schneider. She explains why Italy has always been special to her, what memories she has of her Olympic career and why the person behind the athlete has always been more important to her than any medal.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are being held right on our door- step in Italy. What makes the Olympics so special to you?
The Olympics were always a step up from the World Cup or World Championships for me. There’s just something magical about those five rings. It’s not about having more competitors, it’s about the psychological aspect and the feeling of being part of something big. I remember hanging a Rivella poster featuring athletes above my bed as a child and being desperate to be on there myself one day. That dream spurred me on. At the same time, I always say that medals are important, but attitude, passion and showing respect for others are much more impor- tant to me.
What does it mean for Swiss athletes that the Games are so close to home this time?
I think the proximity to Switzerland will give the athletes extra momentum. That’s how it was for me, anyway. Shorter journeys, a familiar environment that’s a major advantage, especially for their mental preparation.
Your first giant slalom victory in Santa Caterina in 1984 was a special moment. What’s your personal connection to Italy? Italy was always very special to me. I liked the pistes there and enjoyed the delicious food all the different varieties of pasta! My first giant slalom victory in 1984 and my last World Cup win in 1995 were in Italy. I also appreciated the atmosphere: it’s not far from home, but full of passion. Both of my fan clubs followed me to Italy, so it felt almost like a home race.
The stamp design highlights moments full of focus, speed, pres- sure and adrenaline. Which of these elements do you see as an inextricable part of the Olympics?
I agree that the Olympics are massive, and you have to be able to handle all that. I really admire today’s athletes, particularly how they deal with criticism and pressure. But I’m also impressed by the way the coaches handle their athletes. Their support and respect is the recipe for success and hugely important. I received the same support for all my successes. Another thing is that it was crucial for me to live as close as possible to the slopes during the Winter Olympics. I felt that was where I could best prepare for my races.
If you could compete at the Olympics in 2026, which disci- pline would you choose?
Oh, wow... (thinks). Definitely not my main event of slalom anymore it’s got far too many gates for me now (laughs). My knees wouldn’t be able to cope these days. It’s better if I stick to being a spectator which I enjoy a great deal. I’m particularly impressed by the way athletes handle pressure, keep on learning, get right back on their feet after major losses and talk about their experiences. All of that shows real strength. For me, it’s not just the success on the slopes that counts, but the person behind it.
