The ancient Olympic games were crowded with male athletes, but were there opportunities for females to compete in sports?

Ancient themes and a stunning setting brought the curtain down on a Winter Games that showcased some of oldest myths in the sporting world.

Follow the latest live news on all things Olympics 2026 closing ceremonies as the Winter Games winds down after a memorable run in Milano Cortina.

The word "Olympics" is rooted in ancient Greece. In Greek mythology, the gods would descend from Mount Olympus into the town of Olympia to gather and socialize with humans, according to Matthew Llewellyn, co-director of the Center for Sociocultural Sport and Olympic Research at California State University, Fullerton.

The timing of the games originated with the first Olympics, which were believed to have been held in 776 BC in ancient Greece, according to the International Olympics Committee. Time was then measured in “Olympiads,” which demarcated a four-year period. The Olympics were held at the beginning of each Olympiad to honor the Greek god Zeus.

The 2026 Winter Olympics ended as the twin flames in co-host cities Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo were extinguished during a closing ceremony inside ancient Verona Arena.