Milan Cortina Games End in Verona Arena
Closing ceremony in Verona Arena extinguished twin cauldrons, celebrated Italian music and dance, and handed the Olympic flag to the French Alps.
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Overview
International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry declared the Milan Cortina Games over as the twin flames in Milan and Cortina were extinguished during the closing ceremony in Verona Arena.
The 2½-hour ceremony celebrated Italian opera, dance and contemporary music and featured Roberto Bolle, Achille Lauro and DJ Gabry Ponte.
Some 1,500 Olympians paraded into the amphitheater behind two flagbearers from each of the 92 participating nations, including Italy's Lisa Vittozzi and Davide Ghiotto and the United States' Hilary Knight and Evan Bates.
The Games staged 116 medal events across eight sports and 16 disciplines over 17 days, with Norway topping the table at 41 medals and the United States second with 33 (12 gold).
The Olympic flag was handed to the next Winter Games hosts, the French Alps, and the Milan Cortina Paralympics opening ceremony will take place in the Verona Arena on March 6, with the Games running until March 15.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this report neutrally, emphasizing factual, sensory detail and official quotes without evaluative language. They summarize ceremony elements, logistics and quotes from IOC officials, athletes and leaders, and avoid partisan framing or omitted viewpoints; source statements are attributed, and narrative stays descriptive rather than interpretive.
FAQ
Hilary Knight, a five-time Olympic medalist in hockey and U.S. record holder for Olympic scoring, and Evan Bates, a three-time Olympic medalist in figure skating.
Norway topped the medal table with 41 medals, while the United States finished second with 33 medals including 12 gold.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry declared the Milan Cortina Games over as the twin cauldrons in Milan and Cortina were extinguished; the Olympic flag was then handed to the French Alps for the 2030 Winter Games.
The ceremony included performances by Roberto Bolle, Achille Lauro, DJ Gabry Ponte, Meduza, and Major Lazer, celebrating Italian opera, dance, and contemporary music.
The Paralympics opening ceremony is on March 6 in Verona Arena, with the Games running until March 15.
