TODAY LIVE | The Milano Cortina Olympics conclude with a grand ceremony
The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will conclude with a grand closing ceremony at the Verona amphitheater, where Estonia will be represented by figure skater Niina Petrõkina and speed skater Marten Liiv.
The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are set to conclude with an elaborate closing ceremony held at the historic Verona amphitheater on Sunday evening. This prestigious venue, known as Arena di Verona, is among the best-preserved ancient amphitheaters and has hosted various cultural events, including opera festivals. The ceremony will be broadcast live by ETV and ERR's sports portal, beginning at 21:30, featuring commentary from sports presenters Tarmo Tiisler and Juhan Kilumets.
During the closing ceremony, Estonia will be represented by two prominent athletes: figure skater Niina Petrõkina, making her Olympic debut, and speed skater Marten Liiv, who previously carried the Estonian flag at the opening ceremony. Notably, the International Olympic Committee has maintained a tradition of employing two flag bearers for the past four Olympics. Petrõkina expressed her excitement about representing her country and fulfilling a personal dream of carrying the flag, acknowledging the honor and responsibility that comes with the role, stating that she is ready for the challenge.
The decision to host the closing ceremony at such a historic site underscores the integration of culture and sports, reflecting the Olympics' broader connection to heritage and tradition. The Arena di Verona, standing for two millennia, embodies this cultural legacy and adds a unique atmosphere to the Olympic festivities, emphasizing the importance of not only athletic achievement but also cultural appreciation in the global sports arena.