When well-being becomes culture: Diana Bianchedi and the Olympic Gaze on the City's Future

A specialist in sports medicine, a former Olympic athlete with two fencing gold medals (Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000), and currently the Chief Strategy Planning & Legacy Officer for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee, Diana Bianchedi is a figure who combines clinical knowledge of the body with a culture of performance, the discipline of competition with the idea of well-being as a common good. Her journey illustrates what it means to take care of one's body and mind at every stage of life. And her vision is now guiding one of the most ambitious challenges: transforming Milan into a city where the culture of wellness is concrete, accessible, and shared.

According to Bianchedi, it is precisely psychophysical balance that makes a difference in daily life: “Maintaining an optimal psychophysical state helps reduce stress, improve mood, strengthen the immune system, and prevent many chronic diseases. It's an investment in oneself that leads to greater energy, resilience, and feelings of satisfaction”. But well-being is not just about performance or individual health: “It's a message of responsibility, self-care, and respect for one's body and mind, because a balanced lifestyle is key to living every stage of life to the fullest”.

ROUTINE, AWARENESS, AND IMPACT ON HEALTH

At its core, Bianchedi explains, there isn't a miraculous technique, but a constant process: “Maintaining a high level of physical standard is not just based on techniques and tools, but first and foremost on an idea of self-awareness and self-care”. The real strength lies in repetition, in remembering that we all need to take care of ourselves every day, without abandoning this practice, even during the busiest times. “It is in this daily act of listening and caring that a solid foundation is built, which can strengthen over time”.

And daily actions make a difference:

The benefits are clear and documented: “Reduced risk of chronic diseases, increased energy, improved mood, resilience to stress, and stronger self-awareness. It's not just about pursuing an external standard, but about embedding practices into our daily lives that allow us to live healthier, happier, and more authentically”.

THE OLYMPICS AS A LEVER FOR CHANGE

The focus then broadens to the city and the preparations for the global event of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics:

For this reason, when thinking about Milan 2030, it is impossible not to see it as a Wellness City, the result of a project that focuses not only on sporting aspects but also on quality of life, sustainability, inclusion, and health for all. For Bianchedi, the Olympic event is a spark: “The presence of the Games represents a catalyst for change, a spark that can fuel profound transformations in people and in the city itself”. Milan is therefore faced with an important, not obvious, choice, envisioning its future beyond 2026.

A future in which the daily life of every citizen includes a concrete focus on their well-being, living each day with the awareness that Milan is a city of the future, vibrant and attentive to widespread well-being.

A LEGACY THAT BEGINS BEFORE THE EVENT

“Often, people think that the legacy of the Olympic Games begins only on the day of the closing ceremony, but in reality, the true legacy is built over time, years before the event", explains Bianchedi. “To create a lasting legacy, it is essential to work cohesively and with a shared vision, involving the entire territory”.

And that is precisely what the Organizing Committee is doing, having already activated an operational network: “We have formed a team that unites the world of sport, partners, local stakeholders, and institutions. This collaboration allows us to maximize everyone's potential, working together for a common goal thanks to the skills and synergies developed”. A place where everyone can contribute in a different but complementary way.

An example? Schools, where the Committee is already working to promote initiatives capable of integrating sport, health, inclusion, and raising citizen awareness: “Our activity has already involved over two million students, focusing on two fundamental directives: training and practical involvement”. Projects like "Walking the Games" and the "Milanocortina 2026 Trophies" demonstrate how physical activity can be inclusive, accessible, and motivating. The Olympics as a true driver of broader cultural and social change.

MOVE, EVERY DAY, AT ALL AGES

However, it's not just the youngest age group that needs attention; on the contrary. Adults are also central to the activities planned in the run-up to Milan-Cortina 2026. “To change course from the low sports participation rate that affects 62% of Milanese residents, it's essential to work on multiple levels and promote a culture of well-being accessible to everyone”. One of the pillars is the "Let's Move" project, aimed particularly at workers and companies:

And medicine joins the change: “We promote a conscious approach, with more and more doctors and professionals prescribing personalized physical activity as an integral part of care and well-being”. Finally, volunteers: “The training program for the 25,000 volunteers also includes a module on the value of physical activity. They will be health ambassadors today and after the Olympics”.