Milan Cortina Closing Ceremony

After 16 days of intense competition, the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics comes to an end with the Closing Ceremony from Verona. A stunning setting in the Amphitheatre all lit up.

The Ceremony began with an 18th century vibe leading to a behind the scenes feature showcasing all the little details that go into the production with a focus under the Amphitheatre leading to an orchestral opera performance.

This included many operatic links from Aida to Madame Butterfly and then the Italian flag was carried into the arena with the Italian medallists showcased to the audience and the Olympic flag raised alongside the Italian flag.

Next up was the classical rendition of the Italian national anthem and then a look back at the lighting of the dual cauldrons, with the Ceremony in Verona the Olympic flame was paraded into the Amphitheatre.

Then the parade of the flags began with GB's flag bearers are Matt Weston (Double Gold Medallist in Skeleton) and Charlotte Bankes ( Gold Medallist in Snowboarding  Cross). Next up was the mass entry of the Athletes into the Amphitheatre as is the tradition to parade mixed in the Closing Ceremony.

A montage featuring highlights of the last fortnight was followed by an upbeat electronic dance style in the Amphitheatre. This led into an acrobatic dance routine with a focus on saluting the athletes.

Next up was the final two medal ceremonies of the Games, Women's 50km Mass Start with Ebba Anderson (SWE) ahead of Heidi Weng (NOR) while Nadja Kaelin (SUI) rounded off the medals and Mens 50km which saw Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo seal his sixth goal of the Games ahead of Martin Loewstroem Nyenget and Emil Iversen.

A tribute to the 18,000 volunteers from 98 nations who made sure the Games went smoothly across the multiple venues and regions and they had a thank with musical classic of 'Blue Daba Dee' with volunteer dancers on the arena floor. This was followed by a number of volunteer representatives awarded by athletes.

The return of Madame Butterfly greeted the stage before the final artistic section of the Ceremony focused on water becoming snow and ice with acrobatic performers then the Greek National anthem was played as the Greek flag was raised followed by the Olympic Anthem and lowering of the Olympic Flag. This led to the ceremony for the Olympic Flag handover from Italy to France and the French National anthem played as the French flag was raised. 

The handover began with superb lighting effects before an introduction video to what will be French Alps 2030 and the speeches from Giovanni Malago (Milan Cortina President) and Kirsty Coventry (IOC President) and the latter officially closed the Games. The extinguishing of the Cauldron in Milan and Cortina took place with the arena seeing the floor lights turned our as a symbol of the Games ending. 

The ceremony turned to celebration with Major Lazer singing 'Lean On' and many more songs lit up the crowd into party mode with a message of Peace, Love and Unity. Following this was a finale of the Operatics going back in their box. The Paralympics will follow on March 6th with hopefully another epic Opening Ceremony.