2026 Winter Olympics Wrap: Team USA Makes History as Milan Cortina Games Close in Verona
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially came to an end on Sunday, February 22, as the Olympic flame was extinguished inside the ancient Verona Arena in a sweeping closing ceremony celebrating Italian culture and 17 unforgettable days of sport. The Milan Cortina Games — the first Winter Olympics hosted by Italy in nearly 20 years — delivered record-breaking performances, emotional storylines, and a dramatic men's hockey final that capped off the competition in style.
2026 Winter Olympics Final Medal Count: Norway Dominates, Team USA Sets a Record
Norway dominated the overall 2026 Winter Olympics medal standings, finishing with a Games-record 41 total medals, including 18 gold — the highest gold medal total by any country in a single Winter Olympics, surpassing Norway's own record of 16 set in Beijing 2022.
| Rank | Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 18 | 12 | 11 | 41 |
| 2 | United States | 12 | 12 | 9 | 33 |
| 3 | Italy | 10 | 6 | 14 | 30 |
Team USA finished second overall with 33 medals, including a record 12 gold — the most gold medals the United States has ever won at a single Winter Olympics, topping the previous best of 10 from the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.
Jack Hughes Scores Overtime Winner as Team USA Wins Men's Hockey Gold
The most dramatic moment of the 2026 Winter Olympics came in the men's ice hockey gold medal game, where the United States defeated Canada 2–1 in overtime. Jack Hughes delivered the game-winning goal in OT, sparking a celebration that lit up the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Team USA then skated a tribute lap wearing the No. 13 jersey of the late Johnny Gaudreau, a deeply moving gesture that resonated far beyond the ice.
Eileen Gu Defends Halfpipe Gold, Alysa Liu Makes Figure Skating History
China's Eileen Gu successfully defended her 2022 Olympic title, winning gold in the women's freeski halfpipe at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Gu's back-to-back championship further solidifies her status as one of the defining athletes of this Winter Olympics era. On the figure skating front, American Alysa Liu claimed gold in the women's free skating event, becoming the first U.S. woman to win Olympic gold in that discipline since 2002.
Brazil Makes Winter Olympics History with First-Ever Medal
One of the most memorable storylines of the 2026 Winter Olympics was written by Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who won gold in the men's giant slalom, securing Brazil's first-ever Winter Olympics medal — and its first gold. The achievement also marked a historic first for South America and Latin America at the Winter Games.
Lindsey Vonn's Comeback Ends in Heartbreak
Legendary alpine skier Lindsey Vonn attempted a high-profile comeback at the 2026 Winter Olympics, only to suffer a devastating crash during the women's downhill on February 8, breaking her leg and ending her Games. Vonn responded with grace, later posting on social media that she had "no regrets," drawing an outpouring of support from fans and fellow athletes worldwide.
Closing Ceremony and the Road to French Alps 2030
The 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremony at Verona Arena was a surreal and artistic tribute to Italian heritage, featuring interpretive dance, electric contemporary performances, and an emotional flag walk. Figure skater Evan Bates and ice hockey star Hilary Knight served as Team USA's flag bearers. With the Games officially closed, attention now turns to the next edition — the French Alps 2030 Winter Olympics — as the world begins a new four-year countdown to the mountains.
