The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano and Cortina, Italy, concluded after the closing ceremony in Verona Arena on Feb. 22, 2026. The event capped an action-packed two weeks full of flair, triumph, and sportsmanship by the premier winter athletes of the world. This year’s competition marked the 25th rendition of the games, and the first to be co-hosted by two cities. It became the home for Norway’s 17 gold medals—the most ever by a single country in a Winter Olympics. Cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo contributed, completing a historic sweep by winning all six gold medals in the men’s cross-country skiing events. He became the first to do so in a single Olympics and brought his career total up to 11 gold medals.
The United States also displayed a strong showing, bringing home a national record of 12 gold medals. Strong individual performances from speedskater Jordan Stolz, alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin, and figure skater Alysa Liu contributed to the American dozen. USA matched Klæbo’s sweep with one of their own, taking home gold in both men’s and women’s ice hockey, an unprecedented feat.
However, not all athletes reaped the glory of victory. American skier and former Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn fought through injuries and public doubt to attempt a comeback at age 41, but her downhill race saw her suffer an injury that ended her Olympic campaign and likely her professional career.
On the bright side, not all American skiers faced the same fate as Vonn. Mikaela Shiffrin successfully concluded her Olympic comeback, earning her first Olympic medal since 2018 as she won gold in women’s slalom.
The Italian cities also co-hosted the Paralympics, which concluded on Mar. 15, 2026. Centennial is no stranger to the games, having been represented by CHS alum Noah Hanssen in the 2024 Paralympics.
This year, Cristian Ribera made history for Brazil as he brought home the country’s first-ever Paralympics medal, taking silver in the Para-cross-country skiing men’s seated sprint. Latvia’s Mixed doubles curling team brought home their first medal, with Poļina Rožkova and Agris Lasmans bringing back bronze.
Oksana Masters of the United States, the most decorated US winter paralympian ever, started her competition by winning gold in the Women’s 7.5 km sitting sprint, bringing her Paralympic total to 20 medals. By the end of the games, her total would come to 24, proudly cementing her name in the US record books.
Regardless of how they performed, it was an honor for each and every athlete who found themselves competing in Milano-Cortina this winter. Their attendance served as a testament to hard work, resilience, and excellence in their crafts. More athletes hope to find themselves on a similar stage in Los Angeles for the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics.
