Winter Olympics: Closing ceremony live
Deutsche Welle
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina officially came to a close with a closing ceremony held at the ancient Verona Arena. The event marked the end of 17 days of competition, which saw Norway topping the medal table with an impressive tally, followed by the USA and other key nations like Italy and Germany. While there were many moments of athletic excellence, the Games were also overshadowed by political tensions. One notable controversy involved the IOC banning Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych from wearing a helmet featuring images of Ukrainian athletes killed during Russia's war on Ukraine. The decision sparked criticism, with Heraskevych arguing that such political interference distracted from the spirit of sport.
The closing ceremony itself was designed to showcase Italy’s cultural heritage through music, art, and storytelling. Performers included Italian singer Achille Lauro, actress Benedetta Porcaroli, and DJ Gabry Ponte. Each nation participated by selecting flagbearers, with Germany choosing Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt, who together hold the record for the most gold medals in luge history. The event also saw the USA secure its final gold medal against Canada, leaving Norway as the top medal-winning country overall.
The Olympics concluded amid ongoing debates about the intersection of politics and sport. In addition to Heraskevych’s case, there were protests over the presence of American ICE agents and a decision allowing Russian athletes to compete under their national flag at the upcoming Paralympics. These issues highlighted the broader challenges of balancing athletic competition with global geopolitical tensions. As the world turns its focus to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the legacy of the 2026 Games will likely be remembered not just for its sports achievements but also for the complex interplay between athleticism and international diplomacy.
This event matters because it underscores the challenges of separating sport from politics in a globalized world. The decisions made during these Games reflect broader societal values and conflicts, making them relevant to anyone interested in understanding how international events shape cultural and political landscapes.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/22/2026