AJ Ginnis, Greece’s top alpine skier, will be the first Torchbearer in the Lighting Ceremony for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

The decision was unanimously approved by the Plenary Session of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, following a proposal by the President of the Olympic Torch Relay Committee, Thomas Tokas.

“Alexandros Ginnis is the top Greek athlete in alpine skiing, having achieved the highest distinction ever by a Greek: second place at the Alpine Skiing World Championship. He will represent our country in the upcoming Winter Olympic Games, and we believe he will once again give his best effort,” Mr. Tokas stated.

“It is a great honor for me, something that I never imagined as a child. I want to thank the Hellenic Olympic Committee for its trust and this decision,” said the 30-year-old champion.

Alexandros – that’s his name in Greek— also met with the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, who congratulated him. “Congratulations on being chosen as the first Torchbearer. It is a special honor for every athlete, and the memory of this moment will stay with you for life. I wish you every success in the Olympic Games — I am certain you will make us proud,” said Mr. Kouvelos.

The Flame Lighting Ceremony for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will take place in Ancient Olympia on November 26, 2025. The Olympic Torch Relay across Greece will last nine days, and on December 4, the Olympic Flame will be handed over to the Italian organizers at the Panathenaic Stadium.

By decision of the Plenary Session, the Master of Ceremonies for the Olympic Flame events will be Dr. Makis Asimakopoulos, Director of the International Olympic Academy.

Who is who of Alexandros Ginnis

Alexandros Ioannis Ginnis was born on November 17, 1994, and grew up in Vouliagmeni until the age of 16. His father is Greek and his mother is Greek-American.

He began skiing at a young age on Mount Parnassus, guided by his father, who was a ski instructor. From the age of 12, he spent winters in Austria, where his father worked as a coach in the Alps.

At 16, the family moved to the United States, and Ginnis began competing under the U.S. flag until mid-2020. He specializes in technical events, particularly slalom.

He made his World Cup debut in December 2014 and reached the podium for the first time in February 2023. A few weeks later, he made history by winning the first-ever medal for Greece in a major winter sports event: second place in the slalom at the Alpine Skiing World Championships.

He is currently preparing for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.