Couple Who Met at 2006 Olympics Returns to Italy with Kids

Stephanie and Giuseppe Mesiano first fell in love in Italy 20 years ago and are now sharing the Olympic experience with their children.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Stephanie Mesiano and her husband Giuseppe have returned to Italy, where they first met 20 years ago at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, to experience the Milan Cortina Olympics with their two children. The couple, who now lives in the suburbs of Detroit and owns a pizza restaurant, is enjoying sharing the Olympic spirit with their kids, including the popular pin trading activity.

Why it matters

The Mesiano family's story highlights how the Olympics can bring people together and create lasting memories. Their return to Italy two decades later demonstrates the enduring power of the Olympic experience and the ability for it to transcend borders and cultures.

The details

Stephanie Mesiano first traveled to Italy in 2006 to work on the broadcasting team for the Torino Olympics. It was during that trip that she met her future husband, Giuseppe, in Milan. The two fell in love, leading Giuseppe to move to the United States to be with Stephanie. Now, 17 years of marriage and two children later, the family has returned to Italy to experience the Milan Cortina Olympics together.

  • Stephanie Mesiano first traveled to Italy in 2006 to work on the broadcasting team for the Torino Olympics.
  • Stephanie and Giuseppe met in Milan during the 2006 Torino Olympics.
  • Stephanie and Giuseppe have been married for 17 years.

The players

Stephanie Mesiano

An American tourist who first traveled to Italy in 2006 to work on the broadcasting team for the Torino Olympics, where she met her future husband, Giuseppe.

Giuseppe Mesiano

Stephanie's husband, who moved to the United States after meeting Stephanie in Milan during the 2006 Torino Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“I met this wonderful man in Milan on a weekend trip.”

— Stephanie Mesiano (wbal.com)

“I move to the states, it wasn't easy, but it's been wonderful.”

— Giuseppe Mesiano (wbal.com)

“Here we are 20 years later, married for 17 and bringing our two children back to experience the games in Italy.”

— Stephanie Mesiano (wbal.com)

“The pin trading has been great, it's allowed them to interact with other kids and even adults and really work on their language.”

— Stephanie Mesiano (wbal.com)

“Every time I try to speak Italian at home, they're like, 'Oh no, daddy no, we're in America, no need to speak Italian,'”

— Giuseppe Mesiano (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Mesiano family plans to continue exploring the Milan Cortina Olympics and immersing themselves in the Italian culture during their stay.

The takeaway

The Mesiano family's story is a heartwarming example of how the Olympics can bring people together and create lasting memories that transcend borders and cultures. Their return to Italy two decades later with their children demonstrates the enduring power of the Olympic experience and the ability for it to inspire new generations.