2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony: Milan-Cortina concludes in Verona
BBC World
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony took place in Verona, Italy, marking the end of an historic two-week event hosted by Milan-Cortina. The ceremony, held at the Verona Olympic Arena, celebrated the spirit of unity and excellence demonstrated by athletes from around the world. IOC President Kirsty Coventry praised the competitors for embodying the core values of friendship, respect, and fairness, emphasizing that the Games brought people together despite differences.
The closing proceedings began with a tribute to Italian opera and film music, featuring flagbearers from 92 nations entering the arena. The Olympic flame, symbolizing unity, was carried in a glass vessel known as the "Drop of Fire" and lit up the iconic rings. While athletes were encouraged to mix across national groups, they largely remained in their teams during the parade. The final medals were awarded in cross-country skiing, with Norway's Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo capping his record-breaking performance by winning a sixth gold medal.
The event highlighted numerous achievements and milestones. Team GB secured five medals, including three golds, marking its best-ever showing at the Games. Notably, Britain achieved its first Winter Olympic snow win through Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale in snowboard cross. Other nations also made history: Brazil's Lucas Pinheiro Braathen became the first South American to win a Winter Olympic gold, while Georgia and Spain claimed their first Winter medals. Additionally, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, and the UAE competed for the first time.
The ceremony concluded with performances by Major Lazer and Achille Lauro, reflecting Italy's rich cultural heritage. Coventry commended the athletes for their bravery and passion, calling the Games a testament to the power of sport to unite people globally. Despite challenges like disqualifications and injuries, the event showcased resilience and left a lasting legacy of inspiration.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/22/2026