Milan Cortina 2026 Mascot Plushies Milo and Tina Sell Out Rapidly
For enthusiasts of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic mascots, the stoat siblings named Milo and Tina, securing a plush toy has become a near-impossible challenge in the host cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Official Olympics stores in these locations have already been cleaned out, less than a week into the Games, sparking a frantic hunt among fans and collectors.
High Demand and Limited Supply
Many major official stores, including the largest outlet at Milan's iconic Duomo Cathedral, have reported complete sell-outs of the plush toys. These items, priced from 18 to 58 euros (approximately $21 to $69), are the most sought-after merchandise, adorning a range of products from coffee mugs to T-shirts. By Tuesday night, they appeared to be unavailable online as well, exacerbating the scarcity.
Julia Peeler, a 38-year-old from South Carolina, humorously remarked in central Milan, "I think the only way to get them is to actually win a medal." She is searching for the plushies as a gift for her niece and has already purchased some mascot pins, which she avoids wearing on her lanyard to prevent swaps in the popular Olympic pin-trading pastime.
Symbolism and Character Background
Tina, the lighter-colored stoat, represents the Olympic Winter Games, while her younger brother Milo, born without one paw, symbolizes the Paralympic Winter Games. According to the Olympics website, Milo learned to use his tail and turned his difference into a strength. Stoats are small mustelids, similar to weasels or otters, and their unique choice as mascots has resonated with fans.
Annie-Laurie Atkins, a friend of Peeler, expressed admiration for Milo's representation, stating, "The Paralympics are really special to me. I have a lot of friends that are disabled and so having a character that also represents that is just incredible."
Fan Experiences and Restocking Hopes
Broadcast system engineer Jennifer Suarez managed to find a tiny Tina at the media center in Milan, describing herself as lucky. She has been collecting mascot toys since the 2010 Vancouver Games and has been inquiring about restocks at various shops. "We were lucky we were just in time," she said, clutching her purchase. "They are gone right now."
Friends Michelle Chen and Brenda Zhang, both from San Francisco, were among dozens of fans who took photos with the mascot characters at the fan zone in central Milan. Chen, 29, noted, "They're just so lovable and they're always super excited at the Games, they are cheering on the crowd." Zhang, 28, added, "They're just so cute, and stoats are such a unique animal to be the Olympic mascot." They are in Milan for the Olympics and have been tasked by a friend obsessed with the stoats to find a plush Tina as a gift.
Olympic Traditions and Future Availability
Winning athletes are gifted the plush toys when they receive their medals on the podium, adding to the items' prestige. With restocking uncertain, fans continue to scour stores and online platforms, hoping for a chance to own these coveted souvenirs. The rapid sell-out highlights the immense popularity of the mascots and the high demand for Olympic memorabilia during the Games.
