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Every edition of the Olympic Games, whether Summer or Winter, leaves behind stories of triumph and heartbreak while introducing new sporting icons and reaffirming the dominance of established powers. Host nations use the global stage not only to celebrate athletic excellence but also to showcase their culture, identity, and progress.

When the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 concluded last Sunday, they left a lasting impression. For 16 days, the world gathered across northern Italy, from Milano to Cortina, and from Livigno to Val di Fiemme, to witness elite competition on snow and ice. The Games closed with a ceremony at the historic Arena di Verona, but the performances and defining moments will endure well beyond the extinguishing of the Olympic flame.

Here are 15 moments that shaped Milano Cortina 2026.

1. A Star-Studded Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony featured performances by global artists including Mariah Carey, Laura Pausini, Andrea Bocelli, Pierfrancesco Favino, and Sabrina Impacciatore, setting an ambitious tone for the Games.

2. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo’s Historic Sweep

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo delivered one of the most remarkable performances in Winter Olympic history. The Norwegian became the first athlete to win six gold medals at a single Winter Games, sweeping all men’s cross-country events and extending his career tally to 11 Olympic gold medals.

3. Brazil’s First Winter Olympic Gold

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen made history by winning the men’s giant slalom, delivering Brazil and South America their first Winter Olympic medal, and it was gold. The Norwegian-born skier, representing his mother’s homeland, led from the first run and held off Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt and Loïc Meillard.

4. Franjo von Allmen’s Triple Gold Debut

Switzerland’s Franjo von Allmen achieved a rare feat by claiming three alpine skiing gold medals on his Olympic debut, winning downhill, super-G, and team combined.

5. Alysa Liu’s Comeback Gold

After stepping away from competition following the Beijing 2022 Olympics, Alysa Liu returned to claim Olympic gold. Her free skate topped the segment and secured victory ahead of Japan’s Sakamoto Kaori, with Nakai Ami taking bronze.

6. Choi Gaon Ends Chloe Kim’s Reign

Seventeen-year-old Choi Gaon of the Republic of Korea denied Chloe Kim a third consecutive halfpipe title. Her decisive third run secured gold, while Kim took silver and Japan’s Ono Mitsuki earned bronze. It also marked the Republic of Korea’s first Olympic medal on snow.

7. Federica Brignone’s Unthinkable Return

Ten months after a severe crash that left her with multiple fractures and a knee dislocation, Federica Brignone returned to win super-G and giant slalom gold on home snow in Cortina, completing what she described as an “unthinkable” comeback.

8. Hilary Knight’s Farewell Triumph

In her fifth and final Olympics, Hilary Knight scored a late equalizer against Canada in the women’s ice hockey final to force overtime. Megan Keller completed the comeback, sealing a 2–1 victory and Team USA’s third Olympic title.

9. Elana Meyers Taylor’s Record at 41

At 41, Elana Meyers Taylor became the oldest individual champion in Winter Olympic history, winning gold in the women’s monobob.

10. Matt Weston’s Golden Double

Matt Weston became the first British man to win Olympic skeleton gold and later secured the inaugural mixed team title with Tabitha Stoecker, delivering a landmark performance for Team GB.

11. Ski Mountaineering’s Olympic Debut

Ski mountaineering made its Olympic debut at Milano Cortina 2026. Marianne Fatton of Switzerland and Oriol Cardona Coll of Spain became the discipline’s first Olympic champions in the women’s and men’s sprint events.

12. Lindsey Vonn’s Emotional Return

Returning to the Olympic stage at 41 after coming out of retirement, Lindsey Vonn’s campaign ended in a downhill crash that required surgery. From her recovery bed, she reflected on her journey, stating: “The ride was worth the fall.”

13. Great Britain’s First Medal on Snow

Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale secured Great Britain’s first Olympic medal on snow, winning mixed team snowboard cross gold after a decisive late charge.

14. France’s Biathlon Dominance

France topped the biathlon medal table with 13 medals, including six gold. Émilien Jacquelin’s performance in the men’s 4×7.5km relay proved pivotal in securing gold for Les Bleus.

15. USA vs Canada: A Classic Finale

The final event delivered a dramatic showdown between Canada and the United States in men’s ice hockey. After a tense contest, Jack Hughes scored the overtime winner to secure the USA’s first men’s Olympic hockey gold since Lake Placid 1980.

Milano Cortina 2026 concluded with moments of history, resilience, and renewal. As attention now turns to the French Alps 2030, the Games in Italy will be remembered for performances that redefined expectations and shaped the next chapter of the Winter Olympic story.