As the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 approach, Cortina d’Ampezzo will not only host world-class athletes but also showcase a unique story of design, craftsmanship, and speed: the extraordinary work of Diego Menardi, a master bobsleigh builder.
On the outskirts of Cortina d’Ampezzo, a small, meticulously tidy metalworking shop houses the remarkable craft of Diego Menardi. Having lived with bobsleigh since the age of 16, Menardi embodies the passion for the sport that has defined the region since the early 20th century. His hands, marked by years of work, and his keen, experienced eyes reflect decades of dedication, travel, and a deep understanding of what makes a champion. Over the course of his career, Menardi has crafted more than 50 sleds for international competition and contributed to seven Olympic Games, including a decade working with the Canadian national team, while remaining firmly rooted in his hometown.
Menardi’s path into bobsleigh design was shaped as much by circumstance as by passion. Leaving school at a young age, he found a natural home in the bobsleigh workshop, drawn to a sport that had long been an institution in Cortina. Over the years, he developed an instinctive ability to recognise potential in athletes, translating their movements, focus, and physicality into precision-engineered sleds.
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Each bobsleigh that leaves Menardi’s workshop is a blend of heritage craftsmanship and cutting-edge technical design. Capable of reaching speeds up to 160 km/h, every line, curve, and joint is carefully refined to maximise performance. These machines are not simply vehicles; they are extensions of the athletes themselves, built with an intimate understanding of the interplay between human skill and mechanical precision.
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The workshop reflects a rare balance of tradition and innovation. While the techniques are rooted in decades of artisanal practice, Menardi continuously adapts to new technologies and the evolving demands of the sport. His work embodies the enduring spirit of Cortina d’Ampezzo – a community where winter sports are woven into local identity and passion runs deep.
As the Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 draws near, Diego Menardi’s workshop stands as a testament to the artistry, precision, and dedication behind Olympic competition. His bobsleighs, forged from nearly fifty years of knowledge and hands-on expertise, remind the world that the Olympics are as much about human ingenuity and tradition as they are about speed and medals.
