As 2026 begins, the excitement towards this year’s Winter Olympics amplifies. The Winter Olympics occur once every four years, attracting people from all over the world since 1924.
“The [Winter Olympics were] initially an integral part of the Olympic Games, and was known as the Winter Sports Week of the VIII Olympiad,” according to olympics.com. Popularity soon picked up around the function.
The events this upcoming year will take place in Italy from Feb. 4 through Feb. 22, in both Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Athletes from across 93 countries will come together to compete for the medals in 116 events, an increase from the 109 events offered in the 2022 Winter Olympics. The Winter Olympics also introduced a new sport this year: ski mountaineering.
In 2022, the Winter Olympic Games took place in Beijing. Norway dominated in both total medals and gold medals, winning 37 medals in total, 16 of which were gold. Germany followed behind Norway relatively closely with 12 gold medals, and the U.S. and China tied for the third highest amount, with nine. The U.S. placed fifth in the overall medal count, with 25 medals total, exciting many viewers.
“I love [watching] hockey and downhill skiing,” FHS PE teacher Jason Townsend said
The Winter Olympics are an exciting opportunity to see thousands of different athletes from all around the world compete. After extensive training, these athletes will get to show off their talents. Whether it is in curling, skiing, skating or ice hockey, these athletes are ready to bring home a medal and pride for their country.
Many familiar faces will compete in the Winter Olympics, such as American alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin, who previously competed in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics, as well as several new Olympic athletes, like American Figure Skater Ilia Malinin, also referred to as the “Quad God,” according to USA Today.
“[Malinin] is redefining the limits of Figure Skating,” an article from Sports Illustrated said.
There will be many interesting and fun sports taking place at the 2026 Winter Olympics, such as bobsledding, mountaineering, snowboarding and so much more. FHS students are excited to see these events take place.
“I enjoy watching skiing and ice skating,” FHS sophomore Rina Van Laere said.
Overall, the Winter Olympics are bound to put on quite a show this year. With talented new and returning athletes, an additional sport, interesting new events and almost 100 countries participating, people expect the Winter Olympics to be an exciting event.
