Milano Cortina 2026: The Final Day of the XXV Olympic Winter Games
MILAN, 22 February 2026 — The curtain falls today on the XXV Olympic Winter Games, a deconstructed and ambitious sporting event that has spanned the Italian Alps from the Lombardy capital to the Dolomites. After 16 days of competition involving over 2,900 athletes from approximately 100 nations, the final five gold medals are being contested today before the flame is extinguished during the Closing Ceremony in Verona.
The Grand Finale: Sunday’s Medal Decisions
The final day of competition, Sunday, 22 February, features some of the most prestigious events in the winter calendar. While the games have been spread across multiple clusters, the focus today shifts to the ice rinks of Milan and the sliding tracks of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Ice Hockey: The Battle for Gold
The highlight of the final day is the Men’s Ice Hockey final at 14:10 local time. In a classic North American showdown, the USA and Canada face off for the gold medal. This tournament has seen a return to high-intensity play, with NHL stars once again representing their nations on the Olympic stage.
Bobsleigh and Cross-Country
In the sliding centre, the four-man bobsleigh concludes with a fierce rivalry between German pilots Johannes Lochner and Francesco Friedrich. Meanwhile, the endurance athletes have faced the ultimate test in the 50km Cross-Country Mass Start. Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo has already cemented his legacy at these games, securing victory in the 50km event with a time of 2:07:07.
A Decentralised Olympic Vision
The 2026 Games will be remembered for their “Cluster” format, designed to use existing venues and reduce the environmental footprint. Events were distributed across several key locations:
| Location | Primary Disciplines |
|---|---|
| Milan (Milano) | Ice Hockey, Figure Skating, Short Track |
| Cortina d’Ampezzo | Alpine Skiing (Women), Curling, Bobsleigh, Luge |
| Bormio | Alpine Skiing (Men), Ski Mountaineering |
| Antholz (Anterselva) | Biathlon |
| Val di Fiemme | Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined |
| Livigno | Snowboard, Freestyle Skiing |
Sustainability and Criticism
Despite the organisers’ efforts to promote a “Green” Olympics, the 2026 Games have faced significant scrutiny. Environmental groups have criticised the reliance on artificial snow and the renovation of the bobsleigh track in Cortina, citing the high energy costs and landscape alterations. Public debate has also centered on the sponsorship of the games by major energy corporations, leading to accusations of “greenwashing” in winter sports.
Sporting Highlights and Debates
The games were not without controversy on the field of play. In Predazzo, the Ski Jumping “Super Team” event—making its Olympic debut—was marred by a controversial cancellation that left several team directors, including Germany’s, vocal in their frustration. However, the debut of Ski Mountaineering was widely praised as a successful addition to the Olympic programme.
The Closing Ceremony
Unlike the Opening Ceremony, which was celebrated across multiple venues, the Closing Ceremony will take place tonight, 22 February, at 20:30 in the historic Arena di Verona. The ceremony will feature the traditional handover to the hosts of the 2030 Winter Olympics, marking the end of Italy’s third time hosting the Winter Games (following Cortina 1956 and Turin 2006).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did the 2026 Winter Olympics take place?
The games officially ran from 6 February to 22 February 2026.
Where is the Closing Ceremony being held?
The Closing Ceremony is held at the Arena di Verona on the evening of 22 February 2026.
Which new sports were added in 2026?
Ski Mountaineering made its Olympic debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
How many nations participated?
Approximately 100 nations sent athletes to compete in 116 medal events across 16 days of competition.