Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony Highlights Athletes and Italian Art

The Milan Cortina Olympics concluded with a closing ceremony at the Verona Arena, featuring performances by ballet dancer Roberto Bolle and singer Achille Lauro. Approximately 1,500 Olympians paraded, including flag bearers from each of the 92 nations, with the U.S. achieving a record 12 gold medals. The ceremony also honored fallen athletes and marked the handover of the Olympic flag to France, the next host. This edition was noted for its widespread venues, covering 8,500 square miles.