USA Triumphs in Men's Ice Hockey Final to Claim First Gold Since 1980
The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics concluded with a spectacular finale, marked by high-stakes drama and emotional victories across multiple sports. The closing day featured a thunderous operatic finish, blending the elegance of Italian heritage with intense athletic competition, as the Olympic flame symbolically passed from Milan to Verona.
Historic Ice Hockey Victory for the United States
The men's ice hockey final served as the headline event, carrying the weight of a 46-year ghost from the 1980 Miracle on Ice. In a tightly contested match, the United States faced off against Canada, with Jack Hughes emerging as the hero. After Matt Boldy opened the scoring in the first period, the game evolved into a goaltending masterclass by Connor Hellebuyck, who saved 40 Canadian shots during regulation time.
Canada, missing the injured Sidney Crosby, equalized late in the second period through Cale Makar. However, in overtime, Hughes secured a 2-1 victory for the USA by slotting the puck home, ending a long wait for American men's gold since Lake Placid. Hughes, who plays for the New Jersey Devils in the NHL, lost his front teeth earlier in the game after taking a high stick to the mouth from Canada's Sam Bennett. He described the win as "unbelievable" and "a ballsy, gutsy win", emphasizing national pride.
Other Notable Achievements on the Final Day
In the curling stadium, Sweden's Anna Hasselborg led her rink to a 6-5 victory over Switzerland in the women's final. The team, featuring three mothers who gave birth during the Olympic cycle, showcased tactical brilliance, with Hasselborg becoming only the second woman to win two Olympic golds as a skip. She highlighted the challenge of balancing motherhood with athletic motivation, stating, "I'm so proud to be able to show them that anything is possible."
At the half-pipe in Livigno, China's Eileen Gu defended her title with a score of 94.75, cementing her status as the most decorated freeskier in Olympic history with six career medals. The 22-year-old revealed she learned of her grandmother's passing just after winning gold, dedicating her performance to her bravery. Great Britain's Zoe Atkin earned bronze, matching her sister Izzy's 2018 achievement by reaching a staggering 5.4 meters above the pipe.
Final Medal Table and Farewell to Legends
Norway dominated the final medal table with 18 golds and 40 total medals, largely fueled by Johannes Høsflot Klæbo's unprecedented six gold medals in cross-country skiing. The United States finished second with 12 golds, while host nation Italy celebrated a record-breaking home Games with 30 medals. The day also marked the retirement of several iconic athletes, including Japan's Kaori Sakamoto, Canada's Mikaël Kingsbury, and the USA's Jessie Diggins, who leaves as the most decorated American cross-country skier ever.
The closing ceremony in Verona's ancient Roman amphitheatre celebrated Italian opera with a spectacle of dance and LED lights, replacing traditional fireworks to protect local wildlife. The Olympic flag was handed over to the mayor of Nice for the 2030 Games, signaling a transition to the French Alps. As the Games concluded, the spirit of competition continues with the Paralympics set to begin on March 6, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympic Games.
