The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo officially came to a close with the extinguishing of the Olympic cauldrons during a festive closing ceremony held in the historic Verona Arena. International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry praised the organizers for delivering a 'new kind of winter games' with high standards, amidst the vast array of venues that spanned cities, mountains, and valleys. This edition of the Winter Games featured 116 medal events across eight sports, highlighting the introduction of ski mountaineering as a new sport, demonstrating the Games' innovative spirit.

The closing ceremony was a vibrant celebration of Italian culture, showcasing a diverse mix of dance and music that ranged from traditional opera to contemporary pop and electronic beats. The atmosphere was electrifying as DJ Gabry Ponte led the 1,500 athletes and audience in lively dance performances, accompanied by a festive display of confetti. This marked a memorable ending to the 17 days of competition that captivated sports fans around the world and brought together athletes from various countries.

Reflecting on the games’ legacy, this year’s Winter Olympics broke new ground by being the most geographically dispersed Games to date, providing an opportunity to spotlight the unique landscapes, cultures, and communities of Italy. The successful execution of such a widely distributed event raises the bar for future Olympic Games, setting a precedent for innovative approaches in hosting that respects and integrates the local environment into the Olympic tradition.