Overview
- Several former champions, including 1994 gold medalist Silvio Fauner, say they were not invited to carry the flame and call the process disrespectful.
- The organizing committee says Fauner was ruled out due to current political activity, a rationale he rejects as he serves only as a small-town vice mayor.
- Fauner cites an apparent inconsistency by noting a local councillor, Ivan Scimonelli, carried the torch in November.
- 1976 slalom champion Piero Gros says he received only a vague text about the relay and then no response to follow-up questions.
- After a videoconference demanded by Matteo Salvini and Andrea Abodi, the ministers reported assurances that the most representative athletes will be invited, as national sports media label the handling an embarrassment.