Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Conclude with Celebratory Closing Ceremony
The Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics officially came to a close on Sunday, February 22, 2026, with a vibrant closing ceremony held at the Verona Arena in Italy. The ceremony marked the conclude of 17 days of competition across eight Olympic sports and 16 disciplines, including the debut of ski mountaineering BBC Sport.
A Celebration of Italian Culture
The ceremony began with a tribute to classic Italian opera, featuring characters from operas like Madama Butterfly and Aida. Performances also showcased Italian pop music from the 20th century and contemporary artists like Major Lazer and Achille Lauro BBC Sport. Athletes paraded through the arena, waving national flags as the crowd sang along to familiar Italian hits.
Flame Extinguished, Flag Handed Over
A key moment of the ceremony involved the carrying of the Olympic flame, encased in a Venetian glass vessel, by Italian gold medallists from the 1994 Lillehammer Games. The Olympic rings were illuminated as the flame was raised, symbolizing the culmination of the Games BBC Sport. The Olympic flag was then handed over to representatives from the next Winter Games host nation, France.
Kirsty Coventry Reflects on a Successful Games
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry delivered closing remarks, praising the athletes for their “bravery, fearlessness, heart, and passion” NBC Olympics. She highlighted the Olympic spirit of competition, embracing diversity, and mutual support, stating that the Games demonstrated “that the Olympic Games are a place for everyone” BBC Sport. Coventry also noted that the Milan Cortina Games “delivered a new kind of winter games and…set a new, very high standard for the future” BBC Sport. This marked Coventry’s first Olympic Games as IOC President, an experience she described as “incredible” AP News.
A Sprawling Games with a Sustainable Model
The Milan Cortina Games were the most spread-out Winter Games ever, spanning 22,000 square kilometers (8,500 square miles) across multiple venues in northern Italy BBC Sport. Organizers aimed to avoid the expense of building new facilities, a model that will be continued for future Games, including the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps, which will utilize venues in the Alps and Nice, and potentially hold speedskating events in a yet-to-be-determined international location BBC Sport.
Looking Ahead to the Paralympics
The Olympic flames were extinguished at cauldrons in both Milan and Cortina, viewed via video link in Verona. A light show replaced traditional fireworks to minimize disturbance to local wildlife BBC Sport. The Milan Cortina Paralympics will begin on March 6, 2026, and run until March 15, also taking place in the Verona Arena BBC Sport.