The 2026 Winter Olympic Games officially concluded in Italy with a large-scale closing show. The Games made history thanks to their unique format of being held simultaneously in two cities — Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo — as well as the record number of medal events.

The closing ceremony, titled “Beauty in Action,” took place at the legendary Arena di Verona, a first-century Roman amphitheater. Organizers combined opera and sport while emphasizing environmental responsibility: 80% of the stage was constructed from wood, and performers’ costumes were made from recycled materials. For the first time in Olympic history, the opening and closing ceremonies were held at different venues.

A record 116 medal sets were contested across 16 disciplines. Key results of the medal table include:

• Norway became the overall leader, setting world records for both gold medals and total medal count.

• The United States finished second with 32 medals, securing landmark victories in both the men’s and women’s hockey finals.

• Italy achieved its best result in 32 years, placing fourth overall.

• A historic sensation: alpine skier Lucas Braathen earned Brazil’s first-ever Winter Olympic gold medal for South America.

Russian athletes competing under neutral status concluded the Games with one silver medal.

The 2026 Games covered a vast territory of 22,000 square kilometers and attracted a record number of young spectators. Ski mountaineering made its Olympic debut, and athletes from Benin, Guinea-Bissau, and the United Arab Emirates participated for the first time. In recognition of Italy’s achievements, the country’s leadership was awarded the Golden Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee.

ORIENT