The 25th Winter Olympics came to a close on Sunday evening with a grand ceremony held at the Verona amphitheater, marking the end of the Milano Cortina games. The closing ceremony featured a rich display of Italy's cultural history, with athletes participating in the parade of nations, and awards presented to the top competitors in the men's and women's 50 km cross-country skiing events. Notably, new members of the IOC Athletes' Commission, including Johanna Talihärm from Estonia and Yunjong Won from South Korea, took part in recognizing the efforts of the volunteers who facilitated the Olympics.

There were speeches from both organizers and the President of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry. During her address, Coventry expressed her deep emotions about the conclusion of the games and the pride she felt in hosting such an event. She spoke in Italian, thanking the nation for the magical games and reflecting on the bittersweet feeling of the Olympics ending. The Olympic flag was ceremonially handed over to the organizers of the next Winter Games, which are set to take place in the French Alps in 2030.

The ceremony not only celebrated the accomplishments of the athletes but also marked a moment for reflection on the significance of the Olympics in bringing nations together through sport. As the world looks forward to the next Winter Games, the legacy of Milano Cortina will remain as a showcase of Italy's hospitality and organizational prowess in hosting international events.