Photo © International Olympic Committee

The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games are officially complete, with the Closing ceremony handing over the Games to France, host of the 2030 Winter Olympics.

Italy continued to impress: the ceremony took place in the stunning Arena located in the heart of Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first such location ever to host an Olympic ceremony. The ancient Roman amphitheatre of Verona was built around 30 AD, and thanks to restoration works, it is one of the best-preserved roman arenas in the world.

The Teatro Filarmonico Verona also took part in the celebrations, with its orchestra and choir performing the Italian national anthem and other key pieces from their beautiful venue.

“Beauty in Action” was the theme of the Closing ceremony: around 2,000 performers, singers, musicians, and dancers entertained the 12,000 spectators and 1,500 Olympians on site, as well as everyone watching from home.

With the five rings in the backdrop of the beautiful amphitheatre, the ceremony showcased the best of Italian culture and bridged classic and contemporary arts, referencing famous operas like Rigoletto, Aida, and Madama Butterfly, alongside modern segments that had everyone dancing and clapping to celebrate the end of the Games.

As per protocol, the Italian flag was the first to enter. It was carried by ordinary citizens who have excelled in serving their communities and upholding sporting values, chosen to represent each of the host cities of the Olympic clusters.

Flags from each National Olympic Committee followed, carried by selected flagbearers that included familiar faces: Evan Bates carried the United States flag (his wife and skating partner Madison Chock announced the news while they were in the practice rink, surrounded by their US teammates), and Kaori Sakamoto carried the Japanese flag. When all flags were in, a parade of all athletes led by the Italian medallists and athletes and all other national delegations entered the arena.

Following this, in line with a recent tradition the final medals were awarded, creating an unforgettable moment for the athletes who stepped onto the podium.

The evening also celebrated everyone involved in making these Olympics a success, especially the volunteers, who were given a special moment of recognition during the ceremony.

The Closing ceremony served as the official handover to the next Winter Olympic Games: representatives of the French Alps, host of the 2030 edition, received the Olympic flag, which they will display at their own Opening ceremony in four years. French athletes took centre stage singing the national anthem, with many already dreaming to compete at their home Games.

International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry delivered her final remarks, extending thanks to the organisers and everyone involved, including all the volunteers. Once again, her words carried the values that define the Olympic spirit:

“You have been incredible, each and every one of you. Brave. Fearless. Full of heart and passion. You have left it all on the snow and ice. Two unforgettable weeks, living every moment to the fullest. You gave everything and you shared it with us.

This is the true Olympic spirit: competing, embracing, lifting each other up, whatever the result. You showed us what excellence, respect, and friendship look like in a world that often forgets these values.

To all of you, thank you for making these Games truly magical”.

With a mixture of sadness and pride, she declared the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games closed. The Olympic flame was extinguished in both cauldrons in Milano and Cortina, in a magical moment accompanied by the beautiful notes of “Experience” by Ludovico Einaudi, performed by pianist Gloria Campaner on a stage lined with golden candelabras that welcomed back key figures from earlier in the ceremony.

Now that the Winter Games have concluded, we can cherish the memories that will stay with us for years to come.  From a skating perspective, the final medal count, including the team and individual events, saw the United States claim three medals (two gold, one silver), Japan earn six (one gold, three silver, two bronze), and the remaining medals go to France, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Italy, Germany, and Canada.

Congratulations to all Olympians who competed in Milan. We hope you are proud of your achievements and that you will carry these Olympics forever in your hearts.

The final chapter of the Closing ceremony was titled “La vita è bella”, life is beautiful, and it served as a reminded that you Olympians truly make our lives more beautiful!

Matteo