The 25th Olympic Winter Games officially concluded in Verona's Arena on Sunday, with IOC President Kirsty Coventry presiding over the closing ceremony. The event, themed 'Elevation' and 'The Water Cycle,' celebrated athletic achievement and environmental respect, featuring operatic tributes and the awarding of medals to mass start cross-country skiers. Flag bearers, including Dutch Olympians Xandra Velzeboer and Jorrit Bergsma, were welcomed by the jester Rigoletto. Following the extinguishing of the Olympic flame and thanks to athletes and Italy, the Olympic flag was ceremonially passed to the French Alps, hosts of the 2030 Winter Games. The Netherlands achieved its highest-ever ranking, finishing third on the medal table.