Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing

The 24^th Winter Olympic Games wrapped up in Beijing on 20 February. The colorful closing ceremony took place at the famous Bird's Nest Stadium, built for the 2008 Summer Olympics.

The show celebrated the achievements of athletes who trained a lot, worked hard to achieve results and realize their dream. The organizers once again highlighted the legacy of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Beijing became the first city in history to host both the Summer and Winter Games.

The ceremony featured a traditional parade of athletes. Speed skater Ignat Golovatsiuk carried the flag of Belarus as he did during the opening ceremony.

Athletes were having a ball of a time, dancing, hugging, congratulating each other and taking selfies.

The closing ceremony featured the awards ceremonies of cross-country skiing men's 50km/women's 30km mass start free. Norway’s Therese Johaug and Russia’s Alexander Bolshunov were awarded their third Beijing’s gold medals.

An important part of the closing ceremony was the recognition of volunteers, who help to make the Olympic Games possible. Six volunteers were selected to represent all those that helped make the Winter Olympics in Beijing a success and were presented with gifts in recognition of their efforts.

Before the Games were closed, the next Winter Olympic Games 2026 hosts - Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo were presented. The Mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, and the Mayor of Cortina, Gianpietro Ghedina, were handed over the flag of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

At the end of the ceremony, IOC President Thomas Bach declared the Olympic Games in Beijing closed.

Team Belarus won two silver medals at the Olympic Games in Beijing: Anton Smolski in biathlon and Hanna Huskova in aerials.

Athletes from 91 countries competed in 109 medal events at the 24^th Winter Olympic Norway topped the Beijing 2022 medal table, with 16 gold, 8 silver, 13 bronze medals. Germany goes second (12-10-5), China - third (9-4-2). Belarus is 24^th in the medal standings with two silver medals.

Press service of the NOC of Belarus

Photo by the NOC of Belarus