Milano Cortina Relay: Olympian Proposes

The journey of the Olympic flame is often a symbol of unity, peace, and sporting excellence, but for one Italian Olympian, it became the backdrop for a deeply personal life milestone.

On December 7, 2025, during the Milano Cortina 2026 torch relay leg in Civitavecchia, former Olympic swimmer Damiano Lestingi paused his run to propose to his fiancée, Chiara.

The unexpected moment turned a routine segment of the historic relay into a celebration of love, captivating the local crowd gathered to cheer on the procession.

A Hometown Hero’s Romantic Detour

The torch relay had arrived in Civitavecchia, a historic port city on the Tyrrhenian Sea and Lestingi’s birthplace, as part of its second day of travel through the Lazio region. Lestingi, tasked with carrying the flame through the streets of his hometown, seized the opportunity to make the event unforgettable.

Mid-run, with the torch held high, Lestingi briefly stepped aside from the official route at Largo Plebiscito, a central gathering spot in the city. In front of stunned residents and supporters, he approached Chiara, who was among the spectators.

Dropping to one knee while still in his official torchbearer uniform, he presented a ring. The tension of the moment quickly dissolved into joy as she accepted, prompting a roar of applause and cheers from the onlookers who witnessed the scene.

Reflecting on the event later, Lestingi expressed how the convergence of two major life events—representing his country as a torchbearer and securing his future with his partner—created a unique emotional resonance.

“The relay in my hometown already felt symbolic,” he noted, “and the proposal made it even more meaningful”.

He had previously described the flame’s journey as “historic” and “unique,” noting he hoped it would be “the beginning of something bigger for all of us” a sentiment that took on a double meaning with his engagement.

A Decorated Career in the Pool

Lestingi is no stranger to the pressure of the global stage, though his previous triumphs were measured in seconds and laps rather than romantic gestures. Born in Civitavecchia in 1989, he rose to prominence as one of Italy’s elite backstroke swimmers.

He represented Italy at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, competing in the men’s 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke events.

His career highlights also include success on the continental level; he is a past medalist at the European Short Course Swimming Championships, showcasing his prowess in the 25-meter pool.

His transition from elite competition to torchbearer highlights the enduring connection Olympians maintain with the Games, serving as ambassadors for the “Italian Spirit” that the Milano Cortina 2026 organizing committee aims to celebrate.

The Journey of the Flame

The proposal occurred during a significant phase of the torch relay. After being lit in Olympia and arriving in Rome on December 4, the flame began its 63-day journey across Italy on December 6. The route is designed to touch all 110 Italian provinces, illuminating UNESCO World Heritage Sites and local communities alike.

Civitavecchia was a key stop on the route from Rome to Viterbo. The convoy, which includes over 10,000 torchbearers in total, is intended to highlight the cultural and historical diversity of Italy. Lestingi’s engagement adds a personal chapter to the broader narrative of the relay, which organizers describe as a journey that “weaves roots and future”.

A Legacy Beyond Sport

For the residents of Civitavecchia, the day was already a celebration of civic pride. The arrival of the Olympic flame is a rare honor, connecting their local streets to the upcoming Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. However, Lestingi’s gesture added a layer of human warmth to the spectacle.

As the flame continues its 12,000-kilometer trek toward the Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium on February 6, 2026, stories like Lestingi’s serve as a reminder of the power of sport to intersect with everyday life.

While the torch eventually moved on to its next destination in Tarquinia, the memory of a hometown Olympian choosing love over the finish line remains a highlight of the day’s festivities.