Twin brothers light up Milano Cortina 2026 as youngest Olympic torchbearers

The 25th Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 officially opened in Milan on Friday. Among the highlights was the torch relay, where twin brothers Arthur and Carter Li became the youngest Olympic torchbearers ever to represent Shenzhen. Their selection recognised their long-standing commitment to climate action and advocacy on the global stage.

Arthur and Carter Li, students at SZMS Nanshan Innovation School, first gained attention at COP28 in 2023. There, they presented research on how young people view climate change and pledged to make their peers fully climate-literate. Their work continued at COP29 in 2024, where they shared updates on practical steps—organising expert talks, leading field trips to zero-carbon communities, and pushing for greater awareness among classmates.

The brothers' passion for environmental issues began in childhood, driven by a love for animals and a desire to reduce human impact on nature. Their efforts earned them speaking roles at both the 28th and 29th UN Climate Change Conferences, which directly led to their inclusion in the Olympic torch relay.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Games themselves are setting new sustainability standards. The official torch, named Essential, is crafted from recycled materials and powered by bio-LPG to cut carbon emissions. Around 90% of the venues are either pre-existing or temporary, reinforcing the event's green focus. With roughly 90 countries taking part—including teams from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—the Games aim to be the most eco-friendly in Olympic history.

The Li brothers now hope to merge their climate vision with the Games' Green Olympics philosophy. They are calling on young people worldwide to take concrete steps against climate change, using the global platform to push for lasting action.

The opening of Milano Cortina 2026 marks a milestone for both the Olympics and youth-led climate advocacy. Arthur and Carter Li's role in the torch relay highlights their dedication to sustainability, while the Games' eco-friendly measures set a benchmark for future events. Their message remains clear: urgent action is needed, and young voices can drive meaningful change.