Olympic and Paralympic Champions Inspire Young Rossoneri at Casa Milan
Milan, February 11, 2026 – In a special event held at Casa Milan, Olympic gold medalist Evan Lysacek and Paralympic champion Ezra Frech engaged with young athletes from AC Milan’s boarding school, sharing their invaluable experiences and insights into the world of elite sports. The gathering, organized in collaboration with the United States Consulate, underscored the core values of commitment, resilience, and personal development, resonating with the spirit of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
The event, which took place on Monday afternoon in the Casa Milan Press Room, provided a unique opportunity for the aspiring footballers to interact with sports legends. Evan Lysacek, who clinched a gold medal in figure skating at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, captivated the audience by recounting his Olympic journey. He emphasized the rigorous discipline and unwavering mental fortitude required to compete at the pinnacle of global sports, serving as a profound source of inspiration for all attendees.
Lessons from Failure and the Pursuit of Growth
Lysacek’s address highlighted the transformative power of setbacks. “My failures shaped me. I learned more when I failed to achieve my goals because failure forces you to be honest with yourself and push beyond what you thought was possible,” he stated. He also offered a crucial perspective on handling both defeat and victory: “You have to let go of defeats quickly, but even faster you have to leave victories behind. Growth happens when you stay focused on your path, without being conditioned by success or failure.” These words deeply resonated with the young athletes, offering a pragmatic approach to their own burgeoning careers.
The inspiring session also featured Paralympic athlete Ezra Frech, a celebrated champion in the high jump and T63 100-meter sprint at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Frech, who attended the event, later joined Lysacek and the official delegation for a guided tour of the Mondo Milan Museum. Accompanied by Daniele Massaro, a Brand Ambassador for AC Milan, the tour further emphasized the shared values of the Olympic and Paralympic movements: inclusion, excellence, and global inspiration.
AC Milan: A Hub for Sports, Values, and International Dialogue
As Milan continues to embrace its role as a host city for the Winter Olympic Games, AC Milan reaffirms its commitment as a club that seamlessly blends sportsmanship, core values, and international dialogue. This event not only celebrated the achievements of extraordinary athletes but also reinforced the importance of character development alongside athletic prowess. The engagement with young talents at Casa Milan underscores the club’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of sports leaders, instilling in them the principles that extend far beyond the playing field.
The presence of both Olympic and Paralympic champions at Casa Milan served as a powerful reminder of the universal language of sports and its capacity to unite, inspire, and foster personal growth. The club’s initiative to host such an event highlights its broader vision of contributing to the community and promoting a culture of excellence and inclusivity within the sports world.
Source: acmilan.com
