Twin Milan and Cortina Olympic cauldrons are extinguished, signaling the end of Winter Games - AP News
AP News
February 22, 2026
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The Olympic Winter Games have officially come to a close with the extinguishing of the twin cauldrons in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, marking the end of a historic event that brought together athletes from around the world. The symbolic act, which took place on March 12, 2026, was met with a sense of closure for participants, spectators, and organizers alike. This marked the first time in Olympic history that two cauldrons were used simultaneously to signify the end of the games, reflecting the unique partnership between the co-host cities.
The choice of Milan and Cortina as co-hosts was a nod to Italy's rich Olympic heritage and its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The twin cauldrons themselves were designed to represent unity and collaboration, with one located in Milan, the bustling urban center, and the other in Cortina, the picturesque alpine town. This dual setup underscored the theme of "Two Cities, One World," which was central to the organizing committee's vision for the games.
The extinguishing ceremony concluded a fortnight of world-class competition, with athletes from over 100 nations showcasing their skills on snow and ice. The event also highlighted Italy's ability to host large-scale international gatherings, following in the footsteps of past successes like
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Originally published on AP News on 2/22/2026