Jackie Chan Carries Milan Cortina Olympic Torch Through Pompeii Ruins

Jackie Chan added a cinematic touch to the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics torch relay, carrying the iconic flame through the ancient ruins of Pompeii on Monday. The moment blended history, culture, and global sport, creating a striking scene against one of Italy’s most symbolic archaeological sites.

The 71-year-old actor, philanthropist, and martial arts icon walked through stone pathways surrounded by the preserved remains of the Roman city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Photos from the relay captured Chan holding the torch proudly within the Archaeological Park, bringing a global spotlight to both the Olympic tradition and Pompeii’s cultural heritage.

Torch Relay Showcases Italy’s Landmarks

Monday’s leg of the torch relay also traveled along the Amalfi Coast, continuing the event’s mission to highlight Italy’s landscapes, historic centers, and modern communities. The relay spans 12,000 kilometers — nearly 7,500 miles — before culminating at the opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro Stadium on Feb. 6. It will pass through every one of Italy’s 110 provinces, honoring local torchbearers and shared national pride.

On Tuesday, Italian soccer legends Fabio Cannavaro and Ciro Ferrara are scheduled to escort the flame through Naples, their hometown. After arriving in the city, the relay is expected to pause to observe Christmas before resuming its route north.

Global Icons Help Build Olympic Momentum

Chan’s participation underscores the Milan Cortina organizing committee’s continued effort to elevate global interest in the first Olympics hosted in Italy in two decades. High-profile cultural ambassadors, athletes, and public figures have been invited to participate in the relay ahead of next year’s opening ceremony.

The Hong Kong-born actor has long supported international sports, United Nations campaigns, and global goodwill initiatives. His appearance in Pompeii brought waves of online reaction from fans celebrating his involvement and sharing images of the torch against the historic setting.

A Winter Games Spread Across Regions

Unlike past Olympics anchored in a compact host city, the Milan Cortina Games will distribute major sports and venues across northern Italy. Alpine skiing events will take place in Cortina d’Ampezzo, while hockey and ceremonies are planned for Milan. Additional competitions will unfold in Valtellina and Val di Fiemme.

Organizers have positioned the relay and venue model as a legacy-focused approach intended to reuse existing infrastructure and reduce environmental impact.

Torch Symbolism Meets Ancient Ruins

The pairing of the Olympic flame — representing unity, resilience, and international cooperation — with Pompeii’s ruins created a poetic juxtaposition of destruction and endurance. For locals and visitors, the moment invoked both reflection and anticipation ahead of the Games.

As the torch winds through small towns, coastal routes, and urban centers over the coming weeks, anticipation continues to build for the athletes preparing to compete in February. Chan’s participation marked a highlight, reinforcing that the Winter Games resonate far beyond the world of sports.