Milan-Cortina Paralympics end as a 'beacon of unity'

The 2026 Winter Paralympics came to an end on Sunday with a glitzy closing ceremony in Cortina. International Paralympic Committee President’s decision to allow Russia to return to the Paralympic fold after 12 years away dominated much of the headlines leading up to and during the Games, with the country finishing third in the medals table, courtesy of eight golds, one silver and three bronzes.

President of the Milan-Cortina organising committee Giovanni Malago, during his speech, hailed Paralympians' ability to "inspire positive change in society". China again topped the medal table with 44 medals in total, including 15 golds. The United States came in second with a total of 24 medals.