Domen Prevc recently made headlines for setting a men’s ski jump world record of 254.5 meters at the Planica flying hill in Slovenia last March. However, it was Germany’s Philipp Raimund, who despite suffering from vertigo, stole the spotlight by clinching gold in the normal hill individual event at the current Olympic Games. With jumps measuring 135.6m and 138.5m, the 25-year-old amazed everyone, including Prevc, who finished in sixth place. “I don’t know how I did it but I’m so, so proud that I managed to do it,” Raimund expressed. He will aim for an extraordinary double in the upcoming long hill event.
Meanwhile, in figure skating, coach Benoît Richaud became a notable figure at the Milano Cortina Games, rapidly swapping between team jackets to support the 16 skaters he’s coaching from 13 different countries. His choreography, inspired by famous artists like Vincent van Gogh, seeks to evoke emotions through storytelling, showcasing the demanding nature of coaching at such a high level.
In curling, Mark Callan, head ice technician, gained attention for his moonwalk-like pebbling method. This unique technique has earned him the title of “the Michael Jackson of curling,” highlighting the creativity involved in setting the ice for competition.
Cross-country skiing faced some controversy as the Korea Ski Association expressed confusion over the disqualification of two of its athletes, Han Dasom and Lee Eui-jin, due to their skis testing positive for banned fluorinated wax. The athletes’ previous competition results had not indicated any issues, leading to a perplexing situation regarding the adherence to regulations.
In the realm of speed skating, Erin Jackson continues to make waves, having qualified for the 500m event despite only four months of experience on ice prior to her 2018 Winter Games debut. Other athletes, like Singapore’s Faiz Basha and Spain’s Daniel Milagros, also transitioned from rollerblading to winter sports, showcasing the versatility of athletes experiencing Olympic competition for the first time.
Throughout the Games, pin trading has become a cherished tradition, with collectors racing each morning to grab limited-edition Olympic pins. Additionally, the prized soft toy of the stoat mascot, Tina, has become highly sought after, with fans scrambling to secure these items amid the excitement of competition.
A heartwarming story emerges from the slopes as Mexican alpine skier Sarah Schleper competes alongside her son, Lasse Gaxiola, marking a unique Olympic moment as the first mother-son duo to participate in the same Winter Games. Schleper, at 47, becomes the oldest woman to compete in Olympic alpine skiing, with both athletes displaying a strong bond formed through shared experiences in the sport.
Brazilian Edson Bindilatti exemplifies resilience as he prepares to compete in his sixth Winter Olympics despite the challenges he has faced. His journey, inspired by the movie “Cool Runnings,” embodies the spirit of perseverance in pursuing Olympic dreams.
In a groundbreaking moment, Elis Lundholm from Sweden made history as the first openly transgender athlete to compete at the Winter Olympics, taking part in the women’s moguls event. Despite not qualifying for the final, Lundholm’s presence at the Games is significant, especially amidst discussions about potential regulations impacting transgender athletes.
Lastly, an urgent concern looms over the future of winter sports as athletes like Alex Hall address the impacts of climate change on their environments. Many are advocating for action, including a petition to stop sponsorships from fossil fuel companies, as they navigate the reality of declining snow and rising temperatures. The hope remains strong that collective efforts can lead to a more sustainable future for winter sports.