"VAN" (Sports Desk - 23.02.2026) :: You have been incredible – each and every one of you. Brave. Fearless. Full of heart and passion. You have left it all on the snow and ice. Two unforgettable weeks, living every moment to the fullest. You gave everything – and you shared it with us.
This is the true Olympic spirit: competing, embracing, lifting each other up, whatever the result. You showed us what excellence, respect, and friendship look like in a world that often forgets these values.
You showed us that the Olympic Games are a place for everyone. A place where sport brings us together.
To all of you: Thank you for making these Games truly, truly magical.
Grazie mille.
To our gracious hosts, the Italian people: thank you for opening your hearts. The arenas were full, the cheers loud, the atmosphere electric. You celebrated your champions and you cheered for athletes of every nation, showing that passion and respect can live side by side.
Grazie Italia per questi Giochi magici!
To the number one supporter of Team Italy, His Excellency President Sergio Mattarella, to the government and the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to the regional leaders, the mayors of host communities: thank you for sharing the best of Italy with the world. From alpine villages to elegant cities and snow-covered mountains: your warmth, your hospitality, your passion made every single one of us feel at home.
To the Organising Committee, my dear friend Giovanni Malago – and your incredible team. Everyone behind the scenes across all venues: You did it! Whenever there was a challenge, you found a way. You delivered a new kind of Winter Games and set a new very high standard for the future. You can be so proud.
To the International Federations and National Olympic Committees: by standing with your athletes, you made Olympic dreams come true.
And to our TOP Partners and Media Rights-Holders: you helped bring these Games to life and you shared their magic with the entire world.
To all of you: thank you from the bottom of my heart.
And to the volunteers: where do I even begin? You are amazing. Your smiles, your kindness, your energy — you gave these Games your passionate vibe.
Grazie ai volontari!
The flame may soon go out, but its light will stay with us: in every child inspired to dream big. In every person reminded that courage and kindness still matter.
The Olympic Games will continue to be a space where the athletes can inspire the world through sport: freely, safely and proudly.
To all the Olympians here tonight: wherever life takes you next, we wish you every success. To everyone watching: thank you for the incredible support you have given the athletes during these Games.
I hope that we have inspired generations around the world with the Olympic spirit.
Now that we are reaching the end of these Games, I am feeling a lot of emotions. A little sadness, yes. But also so much pride and gratitude as I say these next words:
Dear friends, I now declare the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games closed.
But don’t be too sad.
In accordance with tradition, I call upon the youth of the world and all of you here tonight to assemble four years from now in the French Alps, to celebrate with all of us the 26th Olympic Winter Games.
See you all in 2030.
Grazie mille.
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