Olympic Closing Ceremony in Verona brings Milan Cortina Games to a close as Klæbo makes history
The olympic closing ceremony took place inside Verona’s ancient Roman arena, closing the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and handing the Olympic flag to the French Alps as attention turns to 2030.
Olympic Closing Ceremony in Verona's ancient Roman arena
The closing moved through its programmed moments under the theme "Beauty in Action, " staged inside Verona’s Roman amphitheater. The Olympic flag was handed off from Milan Cortina to the French Alps, marking the formal end of the 2026 Winter Olympics and the symbolic handover toward France’s 2030 Games.
Italy throws a farewell and the flag goes to France
Organizers and athletes marked the end of the Games with a farewell that included the flag handoff. The Milan Cortina host role now passes to the French Alps; Edgar Grospiron, president of the organizing committee for the 2030 French Alps Winter Olympics, said at a news conference that his team is confident it will pull off a successful event despite organizational hurdles. "We know we have little time. There’s little time, little money because of financial constraints, but we know we can do it, " Grospiron said. "We will follow the recommendations and the choices that will be made by the IOC. "
Paralympic opening set for March 6 with 'Life in Motion'
The Verona arena will transform once more on March 6 for the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Organizers described the Paralympic theme "Life in Motion" as "a tribute to life as change and transformation, inspired by the language of art and its unique ability to interpret the ever-changing contemporary reality, " and added that "It's an approach that redefines the concept of disability through a new harmony between people and environment. " They also said they invested 20 million euros to enhance accessibility throughout Verona, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.
Klæbo's sixth gold and a new single-Games record
Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo became the most decorated gold medalist in a single Winter Olympics with six wins at the Milan Cortina Games. Klæbo, who served as Norway's flag bearer in the closing ceremony, said after his win in yesterday’s 50-kilometer classic that he had been iffy about competing because of a sore throat but chose to go out and give it his all. "It’s been a dream to be in the Olympics and to perform at the highest level and to do that six times, it’s just, I have no words, to be honest, " he said. His signature uphill sprint propelled him past rivals, and he won every race he started in these Games. "I’m super satisfied for sure, but I’m also super tired, " he added. His total medal collection has now grown to 11 gold over three Winter Games, breaking the previous record of eight that he also held. Klæbo now has the second-most Olympic golds overall; Michael Phelps has 23.
Team USA fashion moment and the closing broadcast
Team USA entered the closing ceremony wearing Ralph Lauren uniforms inspired by vintage ski racing kits; the look included a sporty, patriotic puffer jacket. The closing show also featured commentary framing the Games' wider effect: broadcaster Mike Tirico put a bow on the Milan Cortina Games, explaining why the Olympics have a unique ability to truly pull people together. The 2026 Winter Olympics are officially closed after performances, medals and the final procession of athletes, and coverage urged audiences to catch up on what happened in the final day of the Games, including the tally of 33 Team USA medal wins.
Looking ahead
The immediate next milestone in Verona is the March 6 opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, after which organizers and the French Alps committee will begin a visible handover toward the 2030 Winter Olympics. Grospiron has signaled urgency and tight budgets but expressed confidence that his organizing team will follow IOC guidance as they prepare for 2030.
