Verona: The curtain came down on the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics with a dazzling closing ceremony at the historic Verona Arena, bringing two weeks of elite winter sport to a triumphant end.
Though none of the sporting competitions were staged in Verona, the ancient Roman amphitheatre — located about 75 miles from Milan — provided a dramatic setting steeped in Italian heritage. The ceremony opened with a tribute to classical Italian opera, with grand set pieces inspired by Aida welcoming flagbearers from the 92 participating nations.
The athletes entered amid stirring arrangements of iconic Italian film music, blending tradition with cinematic flair.
A symbolic highlight came with the arrival of the “Drop of Fire,” the Olympic flame carried in a delicate glass vessel, which was used to illuminate the iconic Olympic rings inside the arena. While Olympic protocol calls for athletes to parade together as one, many teams largely remained grouped by nation, soaking in the final celebratory moments.
Final Medals and Emotional Tributes
The last medals of Milan-Cortina 2026 were awarded during the ceremony, as champions in the men’s and women’s 50km mass start cross-country skiing events were crowned. The spotlight fittingly shone on Norway’s cross-country superstar Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, whose sixth gold medal of the Games — in the men’s 50km — was presented as the final medal of the Olympics.
Klæbo’s remarkable tally made him the most successful individual athlete of the Games, and had he competed as a nation, his gold haul alone would have placed him ninth in the overall medal standings.
The ceremony also paid heartfelt tribute to the thousands of volunteers whose efforts underpinned the seamless organization of the Games.
Italy’s Historic High and Norway’s Dominance
For host nation Italy, Milan-Cortina marked their most successful Winter Olympics to date. The Azzurri finished fourth in the medal table with 10 gold medals among a total of 30 — a landmark achievement on home snow and ice.
Norway once again topped the standings for the fourth consecutive Winter Games, underlining their enduring dominance in winter sport.
Among other milestones, American bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor became the oldest individual medallist in Winter Olympic history, claiming monobob gold at the age of 41.
Meanwhile, alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn saw her Olympic journey end in heartbreak after suffering a broken leg.
Controversy and Neutral Athletes
The Games were not without controversy. Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified after refusing to remove a helmet design commemorating athletes killed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which officials ruled breached IOC regulations.
Russian athlete Nikita Filippov, competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete due to Russia’s suspension, secured silver in men’s ski mountaineering. Neutral competitors were permitted to attend the closing ceremony despite having been barred from the opening event.
Canada’s men’s curling team, gold medallists in their event, also faced scrutiny amid allegations of cheating during the tournament.
The Olympic Spirit Endures
In her closing address, International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry praised the athletes’ courage and unity.
“You have been incredible — brave, fearless, full of heart and passion,” she said. “You showed us what excellence, respect and friendship look like in a world that sometimes forgets these values.”
The ceremony concluded with vibrant performances from global music act Major Lazer and Italian singer-songwriter Achille Lauro, blending contemporary energy with national pride.
Passing the Flame to the French Alps
The Olympic flag was formally handed over to representatives of the French Alps, hosts of the 2030 Winter Games. Regional presidents Renaud Muselier and Fabrice Pannekoucke accepted the flag as a reimagined, contemporary rendition of “La Marseillaise” echoed through the arena. A visual showcase of the Alpine region, accompanied by a unique artistic performance featuring both musicians and Olympians, offered a glimpse of what lies ahead.
With 116 medal events contested and countless memories forged, Milan-Cortina 2026 closed as a Games of records, resilience and renewal — a celebration of winter sport that united the world once more under the Olympic rings.
Source:BBC
Photo credit: Milano Cortina Olympics/X
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