93 nations, 2,900 athletes, 17 days of glory! Milano‑Cortina 2026 wraps up

After 17 days of breathtaking competition, the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano‑Cortina concluded today with thrilling action on the ice and snow, followed by a spectacular closing ceremony at the historic Verona Arena . The Games brought together 93 nations and 2,900 athletes , delivering unforgettable moments and historic performances across eight sports and sixteen disciplines.

The final day featured one of the most dramatic highlights of the Games in men’s ice hockey , where the United States defeated Canada 2‑1 in overtime to claim the Olympic gold medal. Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal early in extra time, while goalie Connor Hellebuyck made crucial saves, giving the U.S. team its first Olympic men’s hockey gold since 1980 .

In other final competitions, Germany’s Johannes Lochner secured gold in the four‑man bobsleigh , marking his second Olympic title at these Games. Meanwhile, Sweden’s Ebba Andersson triumphed in the women’s 50 km cross‑country ski race , one of the last endurance events, adding her name to Olympic history. Eileen Gu also defended her freestyle skiing halfpipe title, further cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s most decorated athletes.

Norway dominated the Games with a record haul of 18 golds and 41 total medals, followed by the United States , which achieved its best Winter Olympic performance ever with 32 total medals. Host Italy finished strong in the top four , while Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland, Sweden, and Japan all made notable showings.

Later in the day, the Closing Ceremony lit up the Verona Arena , where athletes paraded in celebration of achievement, sportsmanship, and international unity. The Olympic flag was passed to France , the host of the 2030 Winter Olympics , and the twin cauldrons in Milan and Cortina were extinguished via video link, marking a poignant end to the Games.

The Milano‑Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be remembered for its historic victories, record-breaking performances, and moments of sheer drama . From thrilling ice hockey overtimes to endurance feats in skiing, the Games showcased the best of winter sports and the enduring spirit of the Olympic movement.

As the Olympic flame fades and attention turns to France in 2030, the legacy of these Gamesm celebrating athletic excellence and global unity, remains vivid in the memories of athletes and fans alike.