Historic Roman Amphitheater hosts a “magical” finale as Kirsty Coventry declares the Games’ mission accomplished.
VERONA | By Sayer Zaland
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics officially came to a close on February 22, 2026, with a spectacular ceremony at the historic Verona Arena. Under the theme “Beauty in Action,” the event celebrated nearly 3,000 athletes who competed over two weeks across Italy’s iconic snow and ice venues.
The ceremony featured a seamless blend of Italian tradition and contemporary energy, moving from Giuseppe Verdi’s classic opera La Traviata to a high-octane performance by contemporary artist Achille Lauro. IOC President Kirsty Coventry praised the athletes for their bravery and heart, stating, “You showed us that the Olympic Games are a place for everyone… Thank you for making these Games truly, truly magical.”
In a symbolic handover, the Olympic flag was passed to representatives from France, the host of the upcoming French Alps 2030 Winter Games. The evening concluded with a high-energy party led by Major Lazer, signaling the end of a record-breaking Games for Norway (41 medals) and a historic performance for the host nation, Italy (30 medals).
The 2026 Games were notable for their decentralized hosting model, spread across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and the Valtellina and Val di Fiemme regions. This Closing Ceremony marked the first time an Olympic finale was held in a Roman amphitheater, emphasizing Italy’s deep cultural heritage. Attention now shifts to the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games, which are set to begin at the same Verona Arena on March 6, 2026.