Olympic Closing Ceremony: olympic closing ceremony ends in Verona’s Roman arena
The olympic closing ceremony took place in Verona’s ancient Roman arena under the theme “Beauty in Action, ” marking the formal end of the 2026 Winter Games. Team USA finished the program with 33 medals as the Olympic flag was handed off from Milan Cortina to the French Alps and attention turned to 2030.
Olympic Closing Ceremony highlights
The closing in Verona blended pageantry and transition. The Olympic flag was handed off from Milan Cortina to the French Alps, making the end of the 2026 Winter Olympics with eyes turning to 2030. Team USA walked into the closing ceremony dressed, as usual, in Ralph Lauren garb; the uniform draws inspiration from vintage ski racing kits and includes a sporty, patriotic puffer jacket. Overall Team USA leaves with 33 medals.
Verona arena, Beauty in Action
The Winter Games closed in Verona’s ancient Roman arena, where “Beauty in Action” was the theme. Tonight’s arena is set to transform once more on March 6 for the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
Paralympics set for March 6
The Paralympics are kicking off March 6 in Verona, where the closing ceremony took place. The Paralympic theme will be “Life in Motion, ” described 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. ” It was also described as “an approach that redefines the concept of disability through a new harmony between people and environment. ” Organizers said they invested 20 million euros to “enhance accessibility throughout Verona, ensuring an inclusive experience for all. ”
Grospiron on 2030 French Alps
Edgar Grospiron, president of the organizing committee for the 2030 French Alps Winter Olympics, said at a news conference that he is confident his country 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. ”
Klæbo’s six golds, sore throat
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, the Norwegian cross-country skier, became the most decorated gold medalist in a single Winter Olympics with his six wins at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Klæbo, who was his country’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 decided he wanted 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. Klæbo, whose signature uphill sprint propelled him past his rivals, won every race he started in these Games. “I’m super satisfied for sure, but I’m also super tired, ” he said.
Looking ahead to Los Angeles 2028
Mike Tirico looked ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Games and put a bow on the Milan Cortina Games, saying the Olympics have a unique ability to truly pull people together. He noted that the 2028 Los Angeles Games are set to be the biggest Summer Olympics ever.
The Verona ceremony closed this chapter of winter sport while setting concrete dates and commitments for what follows: the March 6 Paralympic opening in the same arena, a 20 million-euro accessibility investment, and the formal handoff of the Olympic flag toward the French Alps and 2030.
