“IT’s Your Vibe.” That is the motto for this year’s Winter Olympics, which not only emphasizes Italy’s passion and energy but also love and connection. Team members from over 200 countries called Italy home as they competed, in events held in the cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.This Olympics was full of the best highlights as well as the most heartbreaking lows. Starting off on Feb. 7, worldwide known downhill skier Lindsey Vonn, who ruptured her ACL just weeks before the games, crashed during the women’s downhill event after clipping a gate on her way down. This was a huge representation of the risks athletes face competing after injury.. Another heartbreaking moment that was witnessed was when American figure skater Ilia Malinin suffered a fall during his free skate event. This went on to unfortunately impact the podium results and land him in eighth place.
Looking up from these moments we shift to the highlights. From the American team, 20-year-old Alysa Liu won the women’s figure skating free program. This secured the first gold in the free skate for an American woman in 24 years. The United States men’s ice hockey team also defeated Canada in the men’s gold medal game.
Shifting over to the rest of the world, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won a medal in the giant slalom. This marked the first-ever Winter Olympic podium for Brazil. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, the Norwegian cross-country skier, made history this year by winning six gold medals in a single Winter Games, setting a new record for dominance.
This year’s Olympics concluded on Sunday, Feb. 22. The Closing Ceremony was held at the historic Verona Arena in Verona, Italy to officially bring the Games to an end. The top country with the most medals was Norway, followed by the United States, the Netherlands, Italy, and then Germany. This year’s games were highly praised, with many people calling them the best games since Vancouver 2010, because of the high stakes and exciting action with strong engagement from viewers.
Starting Mar. 6 through the Paralympics will be occurring, so make sure to stay updated on these incredible events as well.
Article by Sofia Bell