Winter Olympics Concludes, Celebrating Athletes and Italian Art at Roman Amphitheater
The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics concluded on Sunday with an elaborate closing ceremony at the historic Verona Arena. This ancient Roman amphitheater was a fitting backdrop for the end of what became the most geographically spread-out Winter Games in Olympic history.
Celebration of Italian Culture
The 2½-hour ceremony showcased a rich tapestry of Italian music and dance. Internationally acclaimed ballet dancer Roberto Bolle led the performance alongside popular singer Achille Lauro and renowned DJ Gabry Ponte. The event brought together approximately 1,500 Olympians, representing over half of those who participated in the Games.
- Closing ceremony location: Verona Arena
- Major performances by: Roberto Bolle, Achille Lauro, Gabry Ponte
- Approximate number of Olympians present: 1,500
Notable Athletes and Nations
Flag bearers from 92 nations marched into the arena, including Italy’s biathlete Lisa Vittozzi and speedskater Davide Ghiotto, as well as United States hockey player Hilary Knight and ice dancer Evan Bates, all of whom secured gold medals. The United States fielded its largest Winter Olympics team ever, with 232 athletes competing, setting a record with 12 gold medals.
- United States athletes: 232
- Gold medals won by Team USA: 12
- Participating nations: 92
USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland commended the athletes for their resilience and historic performance, highlighting the inspiration they provided for future generations. The event was attended by around 12,000 spectators, which was notably smaller than the opening ceremony featuring stars like Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli.
Tribute and Remembrance
Part of the closing ceremony included a solemn tribute to athletes who have passed away, incorporating butterfly imagery to symbolize remembrance. While no specific names were mentioned, the commemoration resonated with many attendees.
This year’s Games also faced controversy, particularly with the exclusion of Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych. He was barred from competing after refusing to comply with IOC guidelines regarding political statements.
Future of the Winter Olympics
The Olympic flag was ceremoniously transferred to the host nation for the 2030 Winter Games, France. This transition signifies the continuation of a broader model where events are held across various venues to minimize costs associated with new facilities.
- Next Winter Games location: France
- Unique feature of 2026 Games: Events held across an area of 8,500 square miles
Final Carnival of Sports
The closing ceremony culminated with the extinguishing of the Olympic flames at two distinct cauldrons in Milan and Cortina. Instead of traditional fireworks, a stunning light show replaced them to adhere to local animal protection regulations.
In total, this year’s Olympics featured 116 medal events spread across eight sports and 16 disciplines, which included the debut of ski mountaineering. Following the Winter Olympics, the Milan Cortina Paralympics will commence, with the opening ceremony scheduled for March 6.
