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IOC President Kirsty Coventry has praised the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games as a “truly successful” edition that combined outstanding athlete performances, strong public support and record global engagement.
Speaking at the IOC’s closing press conference from the Main Media Centre in Milan, President Coventry thanked the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee, volunteers and local communities across all host venues for delivering what she described as an exceptional Games experience.
“I don’t think you can be leaving these Games not feeling inspired by what we’ve been seeing on the field of play. It’s been amazing across all the venues and all the villages. To all the volunteers working in all these areas, thank you. You have had huge smiles and huge welcomes wherever we’ve gone,” the IOC President said.
Electric atmosphere and strong spectator support
President Coventry highlighted the atmosphere across the venues, pointing in particular to the biathlon competition, where 20,000 spectators created what she described as an extraordinary environment for the athletes.
“The atmosphere and the hospitality around all of the venues and the spectators have also been really incredible,” she said. “Those athletes had so much energy to lean off and cheer from.”
She also reflected on time spent at mountain venues, describing the setting as delivering “a true Olympic Winter Games” experience. The debut of ski mountaineering drew particular praise, with President Coventry noting the intensity of the event and the strong turnout of spectators despite heavy snowfall.
Widespread model delivers consistent athlete experience
Addressing questions about the multi-cluster format of Milano Cortina 2026, President Coventry said athlete feedback had been positive across all villages and competition venues.
She explained that, following consultation with the IOC Athletes’ Commission, the organisers prioritised consistency of services and experience in every village.
“I’ve gone to every single village, and they are exactly the same,” she said, adding that some athletes felt the more intimate Opening Ceremony experiences in smaller host communities had allowed closer interaction with spectators.
She said the model had demonstrated that the Games could be delivered “in a new way of doing things, in a sustainable way of doing things,” surpassing expectations.
History-making performances and record-breaking digital engagement
Kirsty Coventry also noted that several nations had achieved historic milestones at Milano Cortina 2026, including Brazil securing its first ever Winter Olympic medal, prompting nationwide celebrations.
She added that a number of countries had recorded their most successful Olympic Winter Games performances to date, including the host nation, Italy.
President Coventry said it had been inspiring to see athletes rise to the occasion in front of enthusiastic crowds and in world-class venues.
She confirmed that broadcast and streaming audiences had exceeded expectations globally. She also noted unprecedented digital engagement across Olympic platforms.
“When we look at the pure viewership numbers that we’re getting across the globe, it shows that the Olympic Games can unify people and bring people together,” she said.
Legacy for Italy and future generations
Looking ahead, President Coventry underlined the legacy created by the Games for Italy, particularly the inspiration provided by home athletes and the long-term use of venues.
“These athletes are going to be inspirational heroes to so many people around the country and around the world,” she said. “That in itself is a very strong legacy.”
She described discussions with local leaders in Bormio, Livigno and Cortina about how infrastructure upgrades brought by the Games would serve local communities long after the Games have finished, encouraging youth participation and creating opportunities for hosting more events in the future.
“It was incredible to see the focus on community legacy and how the venues are being designed to add lasting value to everyday life, creating opportunities for young people to learn sports like luge, skeleton and bobsleigh, and strengthening one of Italy’s youngest communities. That sense of long-term impact, already being felt, is incredibly exciting.”
As Milano Cortina 2026 draws to a close, President Coventry concluded that the Games had demonstrated the enduring power of sport to unite people across borders.
“You look at every single competition, and the athletes embrace each other. They respect each other. That, for me, is the greatest sign of peace, unity and respect,” the IOC President concluded.
MOK / Photo: Yves Herman - Pool/Getty Images
