The 2026 Winter Olympics officially wrap up today with a spectacular closing ceremony at Verona Olympic Arena in Italy. Team USA flag bearers, hockey captain Hilary Knight and ice dance silver medalist Evan Bates, will lead the parade, marking a celebratory end to the Milano Cortina Games. NBC will broadcast the event live in the U.S., with streaming available on Peacock.
This year, the United States finished second in the medal standings with a total of 33 medals, including 12 gold, 12 silver, and nine bronze, trailing only Norway, which earned 41 medals. The ceremony at Verona provides a historic and dramatic setting for athletes and fans alike, offering a chance to honor achievements across winter sports.
Flag bearers and Team USA highlights
Hilary Knight helped the U.S. women’s hockey team secure its third gold medal in Olympic history with a dramatic overtime win against Canada. Evan Bates earned gold in the figure skating team event and silver in ice dance alongside his partner and wife, Madison Chock. Both athletes will proudly carry the American flag in the parade, symbolizing national excellence and athletic dedication.
While many countries face smaller contingents at the closing ceremony, the United States will have both male and female flag bearers present. Some nations will rely on volunteers or a single athlete due to scheduling conflicts and the geographic spread of Olympic events, which makes travel to Verona challenging for athletes finishing competitions earlier in Livigno or Cortina.
Venue with historical significance
Verona Olympic Arena, the site of the closing ceremony, is the third-largest Roman amphitheater in Italy. Built in 30 AD, it originally hosted gladiator battles. Today, the arena provides a stunning backdrop for one of the world’s most celebrated sports traditions, linking ancient history with modern athletic achievement.
The arena is roughly two hours from Milan and three hours from Cortina d’Ampezzo, allowing athletes from both host cities to converge for a memorable ceremony. Fans and athletes alike will witness the formal conclusion of the Milano Cortina Winter Games, complete with parades, music, and celebrations of medal-winning performances.
U.S. medal and legacy highlights
Team USA’s performance included the dramatic victory in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game, with a 2-1 overtime win against Canada. This marks the first gold medal in men’s hockey for the United States since the iconic “Miracle on Ice” in 1980. The team honored the late Johnny Gaudreau, a former NHL star who tragically died in a cycling accident in 2024, by displaying his jersey throughout the tournament.
Across 92 participating nations, the closing ceremony serves as a global celebration of winter sports. While many countries will have limited athlete representation due to ongoing competitions and logistical challenges, the spirit of camaraderie and international unity remains at the heart of the ceremony.
Where and when to watch
The 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC. Streaming is available via Peacock for viewers who prefer online access. Fans around the world will tune in to see athletes, volunteers, and flag bearers take part in this historic finale, commemorating both competition results and the shared experiences of athletes from every corner of the globe.
The closing ceremony represents the official conclusion of the Milano Cortina Games, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary athletic feats, cultural exchange, and unforgettable Olympic moments.
Source: USA TODAY
Leave a Reply