Olympic Closing Ceremony: olympic closing ceremony in Verona caps Milan Cortina as Team USA wins 33 medals
The olympic closing ceremony took place in Verona’s ancient Roman arena, bringing the Milan Cortina Winter Games to a close under the theme “Beauty in Action. ” The conclusion matters now because Team USA left the Games with 33 medals and attention immediately shifts to the Paralympics and the next Olympic hosts.
Olympic Closing Ceremony set the stage in Verona’s ancient Roman arena
The closing unfolded inside Verona’s ancient Roman arena with the event billed around the theme “Beauty in Action. ” Organizers said the same arena will transform once more on March 6 for the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. That Paralympic program carries its own theme, "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. " The organizers added that it is "an approach that redefines the concept of disability through a new harmony between people and environment. "
Accessibility investment and the March 6 Paralympic switch
Organizers said they invested 20 million euros to enhance accessibility throughout Verona, ensuring an inclusive experience for all when the arena reopens on March 6 for the Paralympic opening ceremony. The closing ceremony framed that investment as part of a handoff moment: the same venue that hosted the Olympic finale will host the Paralympic kickoff.
Team USA’s presence and the 33-medal haul
Team USA walked into the closing in Ralph Lauren garb that draws inspiration from vintage ski racing kits and included a sporty, patriotic puffer jacket. The United States finished the Milan Cortina Games with 33 medals, a tally that was a clear headline of the final day as athletes filed into the Verona arena.
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo’s six golds and closing‑ceremony role
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 Olympics. Klæbo, who served as Norway’s flag bearer in the closing ceremony, said after his victory 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. He said, “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. ” Klæbo won every race he started in these Games; his signature uphill sprint propelled him past his rivals, and he added, “I’m super satisfied for sure, but I’m also super tired. ”
Flag handoff to the French Alps and planning for 2030
The Olympic flag was handed off from Milan Cortina to the French Alps, marking the end of the 2026 Winter Olympics and turning attention toward 2030. 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 deliver a successful event despite organizational hurdles. He said, "We know we have little time. There’s little time, little money because of financial constraints, but we know we can do it. " He added, "We will follow the recommendations and the choices that will be made by the IOC. "
Looking ahead: Mike Tirico and the future Games
Mike Tirico looked ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Games, which are set to be the biggest Summer Olympics ever, and offered closing commentary that put a bow on the Milan Cortina Games. Tirico explained why the Olympics have a unique ability to truly pull people together as the Verona ceremony closed and the calendar moved on to the Paralympics and the next host preparations.
