Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games Wrap Up with Norway's Record Haul and Epic US Hockey Triumph in Verona Finale
Published Date: 23 Feb, 2026
February 23, 2026
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics came to an emotional and triumphant end Sunday evening in the historic Verona Arena, where a vibrant Closing Ceremony celebrated athletic excellence, Italian heritage, and the handover to the 2030 hosts in the French Alps after sixteen days of thrilling competition.
Norway dominated the medal standings with an all time Winter Olympics best of eighteen gold medals and forty one total medals, led by the extraordinary Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo. The Norwegian cross country skiing legend achieved the unthinkable by winning six gold medals across his events, including a commanding victory in the men's 50km mass start classic on the final day. This feat surpassed the previous single Games record of five golds set by Eric Heiden in 1980, elevating Klaebo to eleven career Olympic golds and solidifying his place among the greatest winter athletes in history.
United States Achieves Historic Best with Dramatic Hockey Glory
The United States secured second place with twelve gold medals, twelve silver, and nine bronze for thirty three total, marking their strongest Winter Olympics performance ever in gold count. The crowning moment arrived in the men's ice hockey gold medal game, where Team USA edged out Canada 2 to 1 in overtime. Jack Hughes delivered the golden goal just 1:41 into the extra period, ending a forty six year wait for Olympic men's hockey gold since the legendary 1980 Miracle on Ice. This victory capped a remarkable tournament for the Americans, who also claimed gold in women's hockey earlier in the Games for a rare sweep against their northern rivals.
Host Italy Celebrates Strong Showing Amid Cultural Spectacle
Italy, as the host nation, enjoyed their most successful Winter Olympics with ten gold medals and thirty total to finish fourth overall. Crowds cheered passionately for home athletes in alpine skiing, speed skating, and other disciplines, while the Closing Ceremony highlighted Italian opera, dance, and the extinguishing of twin Olympic flames in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The ceremony featured a parade of athletes, with Klaebo carrying Norway's flag as a standout symbol of the Games' excellence. IOC President Kirsty Coventry declared the Games closed, praising the inspiration provided to global audiences.
Memorable Performances Across Disciplines
The Netherlands claimed third with ten gold medals and twenty total, excelling once more in speed skating and short track. Germany rounded out the top five with twenty six medals, strong in sliding sports like bobsleigh and luge. Emerging talents and historic firsts added depth, including breakthroughs for athletes from new participating nations and record setting feats in various events.
The Games showcased innovation with new formats and venues blending urban Milan energy with classic Alpine settings. As the Olympic flag transferred to French representatives for the 2030 edition, anticipation builds for continued evolution in winter sports.
With Norway's unprecedented supremacy, the United States' resurgence, and Italy's proud hosting, Milano Cortina 2026 delivered lasting memories of perseverance, breakthrough achievements, and the unifying power of the Olympic spirit, setting an ambitious benchmark for future Winter Games.
Date: 23 Feb, 2026
