Trump responds to Hunter Hess comments at Olympics
“It’s a little hard. There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of,” American freestyle halfpipe skier Hunter Hess said. President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, called Hess “a real Loser” in response.
As the U.S. and Canadian hockey players received their medals — gold for the U.S. and silver for Canada — Olympic officials also handed them a stuffed animal.
Each player received the Olympic mascot, a stoat or ermine named “Tina.”
The U.S. men defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime Sunday morning, Feb. 22, completing a U.S. hockey sweep. The U.S. women also defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime on Feb. 19 to claim gold.
Every Olympic Games since the 1960s has had a mascot, some undefinable, and the 2026 Winter Games and Paralympic Games feature three mascots: Tina, Milo and The Flo.
Tina and Milo are stoats, according to the official Milan-Cortina Olympics website.
“The lighter-colored stoat (Tina) represents the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, while her younger brother Milo, with his darker fur, is the face of the Paralympic Winter Games,” the Olympics website explains. “Their names are inspired by the host cities: Tina from Cortina d’Ampezzo and Milo from Milano.
“Tina and Milo are central symbols of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, embodying the Italian spirit that inspires them. Naturally curious they love sports and the outdoor life but they also want to have fun. They represent the contemporary, vibrant and dynamic Italian Spirit,” the official background explains.
In addition to the lovable stoats, the Olympics also are represented by a group of six “snowdrops” known collectively as The Flo.
“On the road to 2026, Tina and Milo won’t be alone — they’ll be joined by six little snowdrops called ‘The Flo.’ Together, they make a true team!” the Olympics page says. “They are six curious and irresistible little flowers symbol of rebirth, they never leave their friends and love to have fun even if sometimes this gets them into trouble.”
Here’s what to know.
Why are the Olympics known as both Milan and Milano?
The difference is simply the difference in language.
In Italian, the city of Milan, as it is called in English, is Milano. Similarly, English speakers use Turin, Venice and Genoa for those Italian cities while Italians use Torino, Genova and Venezia.
What is a stoat?
Stoats are small “mustelids” and are related to weasels and otters, according to the Wildlife Trust.
Stoats are also known as ermine, and change color from brown to white in the winter. They are native to both Europe and North America.
They are small predators with long, low-slung bodies that make them suited to hunting small rodents and rabbits, the trust says. Stoats grow up to 12 inches and typically weigh less than three-quarters of a pound.
Stoats are active by day and night, and may be spotted in sand dunes, grassland and heathland.
Who is Tina?
The mascot for the Winter Games at Milan-Cortina is Tina, a white stoat featuring a scarf with the Italian flag.
“Tina grew up surrounded by summer greenery and winter snow in the Italian mountains,” the website says. “With her brother Milo, she experienced a childhood full of adventures. Her curiosity led her to move to the city, where she learnt that differences are an asset and that respect and listening are fundamental to growing up.
“An explorer and dreamer, Tina loves trying new experiences and believes that only those who dream can change the world. Although she now lives in the city, nature remains her home and she does everything to protect it,” the Olympics merchandise doll listing says.
“Tina is passionate about art and music, and she believes in the power of beauty. Nature is her home, and even though she now lives in the city, she does everything she can to protect it and keep it untouched,” the Olympic website says.
Who is Milo?
Milo is the mascot for the 2026 Paralympics.
Milo is a brown and white stoat. He’s tailless with mitten hands, small ears and a pink nose.
“Practical and ingenious, Milo is always creating, fixing, and inventing. Growing up in the Italian woods, he learnt from an early age to build masterpieces out of wood,” the Olympic website says. “When he is not at work, Milo is on the move: he runs, jumps and climbs trees that he knows like his tail. A protector of nature, Milo does not tolerate those who damage his mountain, his home.
“Born without a paw, he has turned this obstacle into a stepping stone, using his tail to walk and face every challenge with determination,” the website says. …(H)e learned to use his tail and turn his difference into a strength.”
What is The Flo?
The Flo also is an official mascot of the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
“On the road to 2026, Tina and Milo won’t be alone — they’ll be joined by six little snowdrops called ‘The Flo,'” The Olympic website says.
There are six versions of The Flo, including with scarves, bow ties, a cape, sunglasses, masks and a lightning bolt. There are Olympic and Paralympic versions.
“Together, they make a true team! They are six curious and irresistible little flowers symbol of rebirth, they never leave their friends and love to have fun even if sometimes this gets them into trouble,” the Olympic said.
“Frozen but still adorable, Cute Flo melts hearts!,” the Olympic site says. “With his colorful scarf and slightly frosty look, he just needs to be held to warm up a little. He brings softness and good cheer to your collection.”
Can I get a mascot plushy?
The official Olympics website showcases Tina, Milo and The Flo.
How much do the dolls cost?
The Tina and Milo dolls are offered in 18-, 27- and 35-centimeter sizes and range from $28 to $60 in U.S. currency.
The six Flo dolls are all 20 centimeters and cost $24 in U.S. currency.
All the mascot dolls include a stylized “26” on their chest with the Olympic rings and the name of the Games.
Are the mascots available now?
Tina and Milo items are available via pre-order and are expected to ship around March 10, the website says.
The Flo dolls ship starting Feb. 18.
Do all Olympics have mascots?
Mascots have been a part of the Olympics since the Winter Games in Grenoble, Switzerland, in 1968.
That year, “Shuss”, was chosen by the agency commissioned by the Organizing Committee to advertise for the Games.
Shuss was a red and white creature on a single ski that appeared to be in motion.
The 2002 Salt Lake City Games were represented Powder, Coal and Copper, an allusion to Utah’s snow, its natural resources and its land, the Olympic website noted.
“Over 42,000 schoolchildren gave their advice on the mascots’ names. The Organising Committee then launched a national vote to determine the final names. Other options were: Sky, Cliff, Shadow, Arrow, Bolt and Rocky,” the website says.
The 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta featured “Izzy,” called “Whatizit.”
The name, “Izzy”, was chosen by 32 American children aged 7 to 12 from among the following five names: Kirby, Starz, Zack, Gleamer and Izzy. This shortlist was produced from the more than 3,300 suggestions from children in 16 different countries.
