The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games have come to an end. The closing ceremony, held at the historic Arena in Verona, captivated global media with its exceptional production and historical context. The IOC President declared the conclusion of the competitions, handing over the Olympic flag to the hosts of the next edition. This event set a new organizational trend, based on the wide dispersal of sports venues, which is generating both enthusiasm from experts and concerns about the future in the era of climate change.

Historic Arena in Verona

The closing ceremony took place in the ancient amphitheater, giving the event a unique, solemn character appreciated by global media.

End of Great Careers

Local sports icons, including Dorothea Wierer, officially ended their competitive careers, marking a generational shift in Italian sports teams.

New Organizational Model

The dispersal of competitions between Milan and Cortina was considered a test for future editions of the Games in the era of climate crisis.

The Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo have gone down in history as an event with an unprecedented organizational structure. The final act of the competitions took place in the Roman amphitheater Arena di Verona, where the Olympic flame was officially extinguished amidst the glow of torches and modern light installations. Global media, including from Germany, the USA, and France, emphasize that Italy demonstrated remarkable creativity, blending ancient heritage with modern television broadcasting requirements. Although athletes like Dorothea Wierer bid farewell to professional competition, the atmosphere in Verona was focused on celebrating Italy's logistical and cultural success. The Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo returned to this resort after exactly 70 years – the city hosted athletes already in 1956, becoming a symbol of post-war reconstruction and the modernity of winter sports at that time. Despite widespread enthusiasm regarding the presentation, many commentators point to growing challenges. The model of „dispersed Games”, where events were held in centers far from each other, is seen as the future of mass events, allowing the avoidance of building unnecessary infrastructure. However, critics point to transport problems and increasingly difficult snow conditions. Voices have emerged about a „festival of ice instead of ICE trains”, which impacts ecological and logistical issues. Political controversies also arose, including difficult debates over the return of Paralympians from Russia to international competition, which cast a shadow over the idea of pure sport. 22 tys. — spectators followed the ceremony at the Arena in Verona Summarizing the two weeks of competition, experts assess that Italy made a „bella figura”, meaning it presented itself in the best possible light. The next Winter Olympics will be held in the French Alps in 2030, which already forces organizers to reflect on the sustainability of winter sports in the face of global warming. These challenges are becoming crucial for the International Olympic Committee, which must balance spectacle with increasingly stringent environmental protection requirements.

Mentioned People

  • Dorothea Wierer — Italian biathlete ending her career at the home Games.
  • Thomas Bach — President of the IOC, who declared the Games closed.