Norway Dominates Final Medal Count as Milano-Cortina 2026 Concludes
MILAN, February 22, 2026 – The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics officially concluded today with Norway cementing its status as a winter sports superpower. The Scandinavian nation shattered previous records, securing the top spot on the medal table as the Olympic flame is extinguished in Italy.
Final Medal Standings
Norway finished the Games with an unprecedented 18 gold medals and 41 total medals, the highest ever recorded in a single Winter Olympics. The United States followed in second place with 33 total medals, marking the nation’s best-ever gold medal performance at a Winter Games with 12. Host nation Italy also celebrated a historic performance, surging to third place with 30 medals, benefiting from the traditional “host nation boost.”
Top 3 Nations by Medal Count
- Norway: 41 Total (18 Gold, 12 Silver, 11 Bronze)
- United States: 33 Total (12 Gold, 12 Silver, 9 Bronze)
- Italy: 30 Total (10 Gold, 6 Silver, 14 Bronze)
The 2026 Medal Design and Composition
The medals for the Milano-Cortina Games introduced several historic firsts in Olympic manufacturing. Crafted by the Italian State Mint, the 2026 medals were produced using recycled metals and renewable energy. The design features a diameter of 80mm and a thickness of 9.7mm. While often referred to by their appearance, the gold medals are primarily composed of silver with a gold plating, a tradition that has persisted since the 1912 Games.
Key Facts
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 80mm |
| Thickness | 9.7mm |
| Gold Medal Weight | 256g |
| Silver Medal Weight | 250g |
| Bronze Medal Weight | 230g |
| Manufacturer | Italian State Mint |
| Sustainability | Recycled metals and renewable energy |
Notable Achievements
The final days of competition saw significant milestones across various disciplines. Team USA secured its record-breaking 11th and 12th gold medals through victories in mixed team aerials and a high-stakes men’s hockey final against Canada. Meanwhile, Eileen Gu continued her historic run in freestyle skiing, securing her sixth career Olympic medal in the freeski halfpipe. In speed skating, the Italian trio of Davide Ghiotto, Andrea Giovannini, and Michele Malfatti delivered a stunning performance to defeat the world-record holders and favorites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country won the most medals in 2026?
Norway won the most medals at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, finishing with 41 total medals (18 gold, 12 silver, and 11 bronze).
Are Olympic gold medals made of solid gold?
No. Since 1912, Olympic gold medals have been composed mostly of silver. The 2026 gold medals follow this tradition, consisting of a silver core with gold plating.
What is unique about the Milano-Cortina 2026 medals?
They are the first Olympic medals to be crafted using 100% recycled metals and produced entirely with renewable energy by the Italian State Mint.
How many gold medals did the United States win?
The United States won 12 gold medals in 2026, which is the highest number of gold medals the country has ever won at a single Winter Olympic Games.