Sunday Highlights at the Milan Cortina Olympics: Key Events to Watch

Milan is set to showcase thrilling competitions on February 22, 2026, as the Milan Cortina Olympics approach their conclusion. Key events include the highly anticipated gold medal game in men’s hockey and the closing ceremony where the Canadian flag-bearer will be revealed.

Gold Medal Match: Canada vs. United States

In a showdown that has captivated hockey fans, Canada will face the United States in the men’s gold medal game. The U.S. secured their spot by defeating Slovakia 6-2 in the semifinals. Canada reached the final after a nail-biting 3-2 victory over Finland, marked by a late goal.

This matchup is particularly significant as it revisits the rivalry that has defined North American hockey, especially after last year’s thrilling encounters at the 4 Nations Face-Off. The U.S. last appeared in the Olympic final in 2010, where they lost to Canada in overtime. Since then, they have not claimed gold, with their last Olympic victory occurring in 1980 during the legendary “Miracle on Ice.” Canada is aiming for their first gold medal since 2014.

Women’s Curling Final: Switzerland vs. Sweden

The women’s curling final promises to be equally exciting, featuring a clash between Switzerland and Sweden. Swedish skip Anna Hasselborg led her team past Canada’s Rachel Homan, securing a third consecutive medal for herself and a sixth straight podium finish for Sweden.

Homan’s team, which includes teammates Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew, and Sarah Wilkes, managed to clinch the bronze medal by defeating the United States 10-7. The final match will highlight the strategic depth and skill that both teams bring to the ice.

Canadian Flag Bearer for the Closing Ceremony

As the Olympics draw to a close, attention will also focus on the Canadian flag-bearer for the closing ceremony. The honor is awarded to an athlete who has exhibited outstanding performance throughout the Games. Candidates include speedskater Courtney Sarault, who has won two silver and two bronze medals, making her one of only four Canadians to secure four medals in a single Olympics.

Other potential flag-bearers include speedskaters Valérie Maltais and Ivanie Blondin, along with Megan Oldham, who earned gold in ski big air and bronze in slopestyle. The ceremony will celebrate these athletes’ achievements and their contributions to Canada’s Olympic legacy.

Closing Ceremony at Verona Olympic Arena

The closing ceremony will commence at 2:30 p.m. ET at the historic Verona Olympic Arena, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This marks a significant moment, as it is the first time the ceremony will take place in such an ancient Roman amphitheatre.

The theme for the event, “Beauty in Action,” is intended to honor the unity of sport, art, and beauty, as articulated by the International Olympic Committee. Athletes from over 90 countries will gather to bid farewell to the Games, creating a vibrant atmosphere of celebration and reflection.

Bobsled Competition Concludes

In another exciting event, the bobsled teams will take to the track for the final day of competition. Twenty-four four-man teams from sixteen countries, including Jamaica and Brazil, will compete for podium finishes in two decisive heats.

Among them, Canadian pilot Taylor Austin leads one of the two Canadian teams, currently positioned in 14th place. The German teams dominate the leaderboard, with Johannes Lochner and his crew holding the top three spots.

As the Milan Cortina Olympics approach their finale, these events reflect the spirit of competition and the celebration of athletic excellence. Fans around the world will be eagerly watching the outcomes of these significant matches and ceremonies.