Two 19-year-old Italian Olympic volunteers reportedly pulled off an elaborate prank during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, by posing as athletes from a non-existent country called Mandostan. According to reports, Federico Corsetti and Giancarlo Folonari, both from Milan, used custom-made flags, pins, and uniforms to infiltrate medal ceremonies and other Olympic events.
The duo claimed they were inspired by Corsetti's uncle, who allegedly performed a similar prank during the 2006 Turin Olympics. Speaking to media, Corsetti said, 'We grew up with that story and always wanted to do something like that.'
We grew up with that story and always wanted to do something like that.
Their deception reportedly extended to high-profile encounters, including meetings with German sports celebrities Jürgen Klopp and Boris Becker at the German team's base. 'It was completely surreal,' Corsetti reportedly said. 'Standing and talking with Jürgen Klopp who said he had never met anyone from Mandostan. He thought we had competed in skiing earlier in the day.'
The prank took a serious turn when local residents reportedly mistook the Mandostan flag for a terrorist symbol, leading to a police investigation. The two men were eventually thrown out and banned from continuing as volunteers, according to reports. Despite the consequences, the pair described their stunt as a symbolic gesture representing micronations that cannot participate in the Olympics.
It was completely surreal. Standing and talking with Jürgen Klopp who said he had never met anyone from Mandostan. He thought we had competed in skiing earlier in the day.