The Olympic Winter Games came to a spectacular close with a grand celebration in the arena in Verona. German reporter Holger Gertz attended the festivities, highlighting the atmosphere and the theme of an 'Italo-Alltime-Playlist.' As the Games wrapped up, Germany secured additional gold and silver medals in bobsleigh, placing fifth overall in the medal tally, a result deemed satisfactory by some. However, there were murmurs among sports officials about the need for improvements in the country's winter sports program.

Sports editor Johannes Knuth discussed the issues facing Germany's winter sports, providing insight into the challenges that have led to calls for reform. He emphasized the disparity between Germany’s current performance and the historical successes of previous Winter Games. Meanwhile, colleague Sebastian Winter analyzed Italy's hosting of the Olympics, arguing that it has succeeded in ways that previous hosts like Sochi, Pyeongchang, and Beijing could not. This perspective offers a lens through which to view the future of winter sports and the implications for host countries moving forward.

As the excitement of the Olympics fades, some spectators may feel a sense of loss, while athletes might grapple with the emotional aftermath of competition, according to sports psychologist Moritz Anderten. The transition from the high stakes of the Games to the quieter world of post-competition can be challenging for many athletes, emphasizing the broader impact of such events on the sports community and the individuals involved. The discussion around the future direction of winter sports in Germany is pertinent as the nation seeks to rebuild and improve its standing in the international arena.