The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have received high praise from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which stated that the Games exceeded expectations despite facing numerous obstacles. These Olympics, which began on February 6, were marked by a spectacular opening ceremony at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, and they encountered intense pressure over several years due to strict deadlines and delays in construction. The broadly dispersed locations of the events across northern Italy posed additional challenges for the organizers.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry expressed her admiration for the Games during a speech to IOC members, highlighting the incredible teamwork that contributed to their success. She stated, "They were fantastic," and emphasized that the success could not have been achieved without the collaborative efforts at every step. Coventry noted that the past two weeks showcased the incredible nature of the Games and reflected on her own unique experience, leading these Olympics for the first time following her election last year.

Contrastingly, just weeks before the Games commenced, there were concerns regarding their viability. However, addressing these fears, the successful execution and vibrant atmosphere during the competitions ultimately shifted the narrative, demonstrating the resilience of the organizers and the enthusiasm of athletes and spectators alike. The forthcoming remit of the IOC will likely build upon these successes to foster further engagements in future Olympic events.