Milano-Cortina 2026 closes with Norwegian dominance in the medal table

The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games came to an end this Sunday with an emotional closing ceremony held at the historic Verona Arena, a millenary venue that served as a meeting point for participating nations in a farewell marked by diversity, culture and Olympic spirit. 

Under the concept of unity, the ice was filled with color during the parade of all national flags, symbolizing the conclusion of an edition that brought together stories of resilience, identity and passion.

Norway established itself as the dominant force of the Games by topping the medal table with a record 18 gold medals and a total of 41. Cross-country skier Johannes Klaebo was the standout figure of the event, winning six gold medals and raising his Olympic gold tally to 11. 

The United States finished in second place with 33 medals (12 gold, 12 silver and 9 bronze), boosted by its historic victory in ice hockey. The Netherlands placed third with 10 gold medals, all in speed skating, along with 7 silver and 3 bronze, while host nation Italy recorded its best-ever performance with 10 gold, 6 silver and 14 bronze medals to finish fourth. 

A total of 29 countries reached the podium, highlighted by Brazilian Lucas Pinheiro Braathen’s gold medal in giant slalom, marking the first medal in Winter Olympic history for both Brazil and South America.

Central America and the Caribbean: history and resilience

Beyond the results, Milano-Cortina 2026 once again confirmed the growth of Central America and the Caribbean on the winter stage, with athletes overcoming geographical limitations to compete at the highest level.

Countries such as Colombia, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela secured qualification spots across different disciplines.

During the closing ceremony, athletes such as Donovan Carrillo and Sarah Schleper, representing Mexico, were present in a celebration that also highlighted the historic progress of their delegations, with performances ranking among the best in their countries’ Winter Olympic history.

A legacy beyond the ice

Milano-Cortina 2026 leaves a legacy that goes beyond medals, once again proving that the Olympic spirit is not defined by climate, but by determination, talent and the ability to dream big.