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Closing Ceremony at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026

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Closing Ceremony Flag Bearers 

Hilary Knight and Evan Bates have been chosen by a vote of fellow Team USA athletes through a process led by the Team USA Athletes’ Commission, which serves as the representative group and voice of Team USA athletes. They are the first winter duo to share the honor of leading the delegation into the Closing Ceremony, which serves as the official close to the Olympic Winter Games.

  • Hilary Knight

    • Knight becomes only the fourth ice hockey athlete to lead Team USA into an Opening or Closing Ceremony, joining legends Clarence Abel, Cammi Granato and Julie Chu to hold the honor.
    • “Being chosen to represent the United States on the world stage is a tremendous honor. It’s a moment that reflects far more than one individual. It represents my teammates, my family, and everyone across the country who believes in the power of sport. The Olympic Winter Games remind us how sport can unite and inspire, and I’m incredibly proud to carry that spirit forward as a Closing Ceremony flag bearer.”
    Athlete Profile

  • Evan Bates

    • Bates becomes the first U.S. figure skater to carry the flag into an Olympic Opening or Closing Ceremony since Scott Hamilton in 1980, also joining Tim Wood who held the closing honor in 1968.

    • “I’m deeply grateful to be selected as flag bearer and to represent both the United States and the sport of figure skating in this way. To share this honor with Hilary makes it even more meaningful. My experience at the Milano Cortina Games has truly been incredible in so many ways, and I’m filled with appreciation for everyone who helped make it possible.”

    Athlete Profile

Closing Ceremony FAQ