Record-breaking Winter Olympics for Team GB as Games come to a close

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have officially come to an end, in what was a historic Games for Team GB.

A colourful closing ceremony in northern Italy saw athletes praised for their ‘bravery and fearlessness’.

Across 116 medal events, Great Britain won five medals, including three golds, finishing 15th in the medal table.

It is officially Team GB's most successful Winter Olympics ever, as Britain had never before won more than one gold medal at a single Winter Games.

Skeleton star Matt Weston won two gold medals - one in the men's individual event and another in the team competition with Tabby Stoecker.

Charlotte Bankes also struck gold, winning the team snowboard cross alongside Huw Nightingale. It was a groundbreaking moment, marking the first time British athletes have won an Olympic event on snow.

Team GB added a silver medal in the men's curling, while Zoe Atkin claimed bronze in the women's ski halfpipe on the final day of competition.

The Games ended with a spectacular closing ceremony at the historic Verona Arena, even though none of the sporting events took place in the city, which is about 75 miles from Milan.

The show opened with a tribute to classic Italian opera, celebrating the country's famous music. Then flagbearers from all 92 competing nations entered the stadium, proudly carrying their country's flags.

Gold medalists, Matt Weston and Charlotte Bankes carried the Union Flag for Great Britain.

One special moment was the arrival of the "Drop of Fire" - the Olympic flame carried in a small glass vessel. It was brought into the arena to light up the Olympic rings before athletes paraded together one last time.

The final medals of the Games were awarded in the women's and men's 50km mass start cross-country skiing events.

There was also a tribute to the thousands of volunteers who helped make the Games possible. The ceremony ended with performances from Italian Major Lazer and singer-songwriter Achille Lauro.

In her closing speech, International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry praised the athletes. She said: "You have been incredible – every one of you. Brave. Fearless. Full of heart and passion. You 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 all of 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 sometimes forgets these values.

"You showed us that the Olympic Games are a place for everyone. A place where sport brings us together."

The ceremony also included the handover of the Olympic flag to the French Alps, which will host the next Winter Olympic Games in 2030.