Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics conclude with spectacular closing ceremony
The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics have concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony at the Cortina Curling Centre, marking the end of a record-breaking Games.
The 50th anniversary of the event featured an unprecedented 611 competitors representing 55 nations across six different sports.
Titled ‘Italian Souvenir’, the farewell spectacle combined music, dance and light displays to honour the achievements of those who took to the snow and ice.
The Paralympic flag was subsequently handed over to the organising committee for the French Alps 2030, before the flames in both host cities were finally extinguished.
Parsons praises athlete resilience
International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons used his closing address to commend the Italian public and highlight the legacy left behind.
The Brazilian administrator reserved his highest praise for the competitors themselves.
“You rose above pressure, expectation and global tension to keep the focus where it belongs: on you and your sport,” said Parsons.
“You expanded the imagination of the world. You have shown that excellence is universal and that determination knows no boundaries.”
“The Games have not only celebrated sport – they reminded us that when we focus on human potential, sport can unite and empower us in ways few other things can.”
Russian return sparks podium protests
A major talking point throughout the fortnight was the return of Russian competitors under their national flag for the first time since the Sochi 2014 Games.
The governing body had lifted its suspension in September, ending a ban initially imposed over state-sponsored doping and extended following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Their presence in Alpine and cross-country skiing events triggered widespread controversy, including an opening ceremony boycott by Ukraine and several other nations.
Tensions spilled onto the podium when German cross-country skier Linn Kazmaier and guide Florian Baumann turned their backs on Anastasiia Bagiian after the Russian pair claimed gold in the vision-impaired sprint.
Despite the friction, the six-strong Russian delegation finished third in the overall medal table with 12 podium finishes, including eight golds.
Masters cements legendary status
Away from the political disputes, American Oksana Masters further established her status as one of the greatest adaptive athletes in history.
The 36-year-old secured four golds and a bronze in Italy, elevating her astonishing career medal tally to 24.
Dominating both cross-country skiing and biathlon, the United States’ most decorated Winter Paralympian recorded her highest single-Games gold medal haul.
Born with physical defects linked to the Chernobyl radiation disaster, the multi-sport star continues to rewrite the record books on the global stage.
