Italy Throws a Farewell Party as Olympic Closing Ceremony Winds Down in Verona

The Milan Cortina Games concluded with a festive Olympic closing ceremony in Verona’s ancient Roman arena under the theme "Beauty in Action, " a finale that matters for its cultural pageantry and the handover to the next host. The olympic closing ceremony also set the stage for the Paralympic Winter Games, which are scheduled to begin on March 6 in the same city.

Olympic Closing Ceremony: Italy’s farewell in Verona

The closing unfolded inside Verona’s ancient Roman arena, where organizers framed the night as a farewell party and passed the Olympic flag from Milan Cortina to the French Alps — a symbolic handoff that marks the end of the 2026 Winter Olympics and turns attention toward 2030. Team USA entered the arena wearing Ralph Lauren outfits inspired by vintage ski racing kits, capped by a sporty, patriotic puffer jacket, and the United States finished the Games with 33 medals.

Paralympics and accessibility focus ahead of March 6

The same arena will transform once more on March 6 for the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. 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. Organizers framed the approach as one that redefines the concept of disability through a new harmony between people and environment.

Organizers also said they invested 20 million euros to "enhance accessibility throughout Verona, ensuring an inclusive experience for all, " signaling an operational priority for the coming Paralympic hosting duties.

Star turns and historic achievement: Johannes Høsflot Klæbo

Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo closed the Games having become the most decorated gold medalist in a single Winter Olympics with six wins at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Klæbo served as Norway’s flag bearer in the closing ceremony. After his victory in the 50-kilometer classic, he said he had been iffy about competing because of a sore throat but decided to go out and give it his all.

Klæbo’s signature uphill sprint propelled him past rivals, and he won every race he started in these Games. Reflecting on his run, he said it had been a dream to perform at the highest level and to do that six times left him nearly speechless; he also said he was "super satisfied for sure, but I’m also super tired. "

Looking ahead: from Los Angeles 2028 to the French Alps in 2030

With the flag passed to the French Alps, focus shifts toward organizing challenges and future hosts. Edgar Grospiron, president of the organizing committee for the 2030 French Alps Winter Olympics, said at a news conference that they face time and financial constraints but expressed confidence in their ability to deliver: "We know we have little time. There’s little time, little money because of financial constraints, but we know we can do it. "

Commentators also cast an eye forward to the Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2028, describing those Games as likely to be the biggest Summer Olympics ever. A veteran broadcaster summed up the Milan Cortina experience as a moment to "put a bow" on these Games and underline why the Olympic movement can bring people together across nations and cultures.

Final day takeaways and what comes next

• Closing venue: Verona’s ancient Roman arena hosted the farewell themed "Beauty in Action. "
• Paralympics: The Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games open on March 6 in Verona with the theme "Life in Motion. "
• Accessibility investment: Organizers invested 20 million euros to enhance accessibility throughout Verona.
• Flag handoff: The Olympic flag was handed from Milan Cortina to the French Alps, signaling the end of 2026 and a look to 2030.
• Team USA: The United States left the Games with 33 medals; athletes entered the closing in Ralph Lauren attire inspired by vintage ski racing kits.
• Historic performance: Johannes Høsflot Klæbo won six golds and served as Norway’s flag bearer in the closing ceremony.

As the olympic closing ceremony receded into the night, organizers and athletes alike pivoted to the next chapter: the Paralympics in Verona and longer-range planning for new hosts. Details may continue to evolve as preparations for those next events proceed.