The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina have officially drawn to a close following a dramatic final day of competition. A major highlight was Team USA Men's Hockey securing their first gold medal since 1980 by defeating Canada 2-1 in a thrilling overtime victory. Jack Hughes scored the "golden goal" in overtime, while goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 41 saves to cement the win. 

The closing ceremony at the Verona Arena featured the extinguishing of the twin Olympic flames and the official handover of the Olympic flag to the next hosts in the French Alps. Notable individual performances included China's Eileen Gu, who successfully defended her gold medal in the ski halfpipe, and Norway's Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who achieved a historic 6-for-6 gold medal run in cross-country skiing. 

While the games have ended, the Winter Paralympics are scheduled to begin shortly in the same venues. The final medal tally saw strong performances from Norway, the United States, and Germany, marking a successful return to a "traditional" winter sports setting for the global event.