All wonderful things must come to an end, including the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games. After two weeks of compelling competition, the Games are drawing to a close, culminating in the Olympic Closing Ceremony, a celebration of athletic achievement and international camaraderie.
The ceremony itself will see Italy formally pass the Olympic torch and flag to France, the host nation for the 2030 Winter Games, set to take place in the French Alps. But before attention turns to the future, it’s worth reflecting on the impressive statistics and standout performances that defined these Games.
A Global Gathering: Participation at Milan Cortina 2026
This year’s Winter Olympics saw participation from 93 countries, a testament to the enduring appeal of the Games and the dedication of athletes worldwide. Notably, athletes from Russia and Belarus competed as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) following the International Olympic Committee’s ban on their respective nations due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The IOC recognizes 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) globally, highlighting the broad reach of the Olympic movement.
Athlete Numbers and Medal Count
More than 3,500 athletes descended upon Milan and Cortina, competing for a total of 195 medals across 16 Olympic disciplines and six Paralympic sports. The competition was fierce, and several nations distinguished themselves with exceptional performances.
The Medal Standings: A Nation’s Triumph
Norway emerged as the dominant force at the 2026 Winter Olympics, securing an impressive 41 medals overall – 18 gold, 12 silver, and 11 bronze. This victory marks a continued period of success for the Nordic nation, having also led the medal count at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Games. Their performance in men’s cross-country skiing, particularly Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo’s record-breaking six gold medals, was a defining feature of the Games.
The United States finished second in the medal standings with 33 medals (12 gold, 12 silver, and 9 bronze). Team USA enjoyed particular success in freestyle skiing, earning eight podium finishes. Several athletes stood out, including Kaillie Humphries/Jasmine Jones (bronze in two-woman bobsled), Kaila Kuhn/Connor Curran/Chris Lillis (gold in mixed team aerials), and Mia Manganello (bronze in women’s speed skating mass start).
Italy, as the host nation, delivered a strong performance, claiming third place with 30 medals (10 gold, 6 silver, and 14 bronze). Germany followed closely behind with 26 medals (8 gold, 10 silver, and 8 bronze), while Japan secured fifth place with 24 medals (5 gold, 7 silver, and 12 bronze).
Rounding out the top ten were France (23 medals), Switzerland (23 medals), Canada (21 medals), the Netherlands (20 medals), and Sweden (18 medals). Austria and China tied with 18 and 15 medals respectively. Korea, Austria, Finland, Great Britain, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Poland, Spain, New Zealand, Latvia, Bulgaria, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Denmark, Estonia, Georgia, and Belgium all secured medals, demonstrating the increasingly global nature of winter sports.
First-Time Successes
The 2026 Games also witnessed historic moments for several nations. Georgia, for example, won its first-ever Winter Games medal, marking a significant milestone for the country’s athletic program. These moments of first-time success often resonate deeply, inspiring future generations of athletes and fostering a greater sense of national pride.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 Winter Olympics conclude, the focus now shifts to the future. The Games have not only showcased incredible athletic talent but also provided a platform for international cooperation, and understanding. With the torch now passed to France, preparations will begin for the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps, promising another chapter of thrilling competition and unforgettable moments. For viewers in the United States, the Games were readily accessible on NBC and Peacock, ensuring broad coverage and allowing fans across the country to follow the action.
