The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony at the Verona Arena, featuring opera, dance, and song. Norway once again topped the medal table, winning 18 gold medals and 41 total medals, surpassing the United States, which came second with 12 golds and 33 total medals.
Norway's performance was historic, with their 18 golds being the most by any country in a single Winter Olympics. Cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo alone won six gold medals, more than all but seven other nations at the Games. This achievement is particularly remarkable given Norway's population of about 5.7 million, outperforming larger winter sports nations such as the US (342 million), China (1.4 billion), Germany (84 million), Italy (59 million), and Canada (40 million).
The Netherlands also punched above its weight, finishing with 10 golds, matching host nation Italy, despite a population of around 18 million. Great Britain enjoyed its best ever medal haul at a Winter Olympics, securing three golds, one silver, and one bronze. Australia also had a strong showing with three golds, two silvers, and one bronze.
The closing ceremony featured performances from Italian artists, including a rendition by Achille and a piano piece by Gloria Campaner. IOC President Kirsty Coventry declared the Games closed, thanking Italy for sharing its best with the world. The ceremony concluded with a light show and music from Major Lazer, as athletes celebrated the end of a successful Winter Olympics.
