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.

Related: 24 Historical Pictures From Every Winter Olympics That Are Honestly Mind-Blowing When You See How Far The Games Have Come The record goes on to note that "this astonishing figure equates to 70% of the population, or roughly two out of every three people on the planet."

A city forever associated with Romeo and Juliet will host the final act of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on Sunday. The official end to the Games will all take place inside an ancient Italian arena,

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.

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.

Here's what to know about the Closing Ceremony, and when the 2026 Olympics officially end. The Closing Ceremony is slated to begin at 1 p.m. CT Sunday. Coverage of the 2026 Olympics Closing Ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. CT on Feb. 22 on NBC, Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.