The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina officially came to a close on Sunday, February 22nd, with the United States hockey team securing the 116th gold medal of the games. The closing ceremony, themed “the beauty in action,” took place in the ancient Verona Arena in Italy and included the passing of the Olympic flag to representatives of the French Alps, the host of the 2030 Winter Olympics.
Norway topped the medal count with a total of 41 medals, including 18 gold, followed by the United States with 33 medals (12 gold) and the Netherlands with 20 medals (10 gold). Following two weeks of competition, the ceremony in Verona – the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet – featured a parade of athletes and highlighted Italian culture, described by organizers as “a spectacle where Italy becomes a stage.”
The games were held across seven sites spanning 22,000 square kilometers, a dispersed arrangement that drew criticism prior to the event, particularly regarding transportation logistics.
“A New Generation of Winter Games”
International Olympic Committee (CIO) President Kirsty Coventry declared these Games “a new generation of Winter Games,” emphasizing the prioritization of existing facilities. She stated, “You have established a benchmark model for future editions. You can be proud,” just before the Olympic cauldrons in Milan and Cortina were extinguished.
The ceremony served as a transition to the next Winter Games, set to take place in four years in the French Alps. The Olympic flag was officially handed over to representatives from the two French host regions, followed by a rendition of the Marseillaise and a film projected on screens.
The closing ceremony provided a moment of respite for the 2030 Games organizing committee, which has faced internal challenges including the departure of three key personnel since December 2025 and a governance crisis.
Notable Performances Concluded the Games
Prior to the ceremony, the United States men’s hockey team won gold, defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime, ending a 46-year drought since their last title in 1980. This marked the return of NHL stars to the Olympic games.
Earlier in the day, Swedish cross-country skier Ebba Andersson became the first Olympic champion in the history of the 50-kilometer event, replacing the former 30-kilometer race. Chinese freestyle skier Eileen Gu, already a silver medalist in big air and slopestyle, added a gold medal in halfpipe, becoming the most decorated athlete in the history of the Games in her discipline with six medals, including three gold. This success is expected to further solidify her position among the world’s highest-paid athletes, currently ranked fifth by Forbes magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What marked the finish of the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The 2026 Winter Olympics concluded with a closing ceremony in Verona, Italy, on February 22nd, and the United States hockey team winning the final gold medal.
Which country finished with the most medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Norway finished with the most medals totaling 41, with 18 of those being gold.
Where will the next Winter Olympics be held?
The next Winter Olympics will be held in the French Alps in 2030.
As the Olympic flame is extinguished in Italy, what lasting impact do you believe these games will have on the future of the Winter Olympics?
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