During the half term break the Winter Olympic Games took the world by storm as athletes took the stage going head to head in the harshest conditions showcasing some of the most unique sports. Here are some fun facts to celebrate!
- Games in two cities?
The 2026 Winter Olympics were held in both Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy making it the most geographically spread out Winter Games ever.
- The More the Merrier
Athlete turnout this year was huge with approximately 2,800 athletes from roughly 90 countries competing in more than 100 medal events making it one of the biggest Winter Olympics in history.
- Thai Representation
This year Thailand had three athletes in skiing events. Cross country skiers Mark and Karen Chanloung served as the country’s flagbearers at the Opening Ceremony marking Thailand’s sixth appearance at the Winter Games.
- Golden Comeback
Alysa Liu returned to elite competition after years off the ice and coming back fiercer than ever winning two gold medals and ending a 20-year wait for a U.S. women’s figure skating gold. A great showcase of the power of hardwork, grit and determination!
- Engineered Snow
Weather can be unpredictable so artificially engineered snow can ensure denser and faster conditions for the athletes to compete on to ensure thrilling and faster performances.
- Skeleton is Deadly
Skeleton is the most dangerous sport in the games consisting of athletes racing down icy tracks headfirst with speeds exceeding 130km/h whilst navigating narrow, precise tracks. This event really takes guts!
- Amazing Torch Relay
The Olympic Torch travelled more than 12,000km though Greece, Italy and even the Vatican City before the games began.
- Ice Hockey Goalies Special Skates
Ice Hockey goalies wear flatter and longer blades designed to help stay balanced while sliding side to side quickly to intercept goals.
- Olympic Village Cafeteria
The Winter Olympic Village served thousands of meals a day with food from dozens of cuisines. Having a range of international dishes not only helped fuel the athletes well but also provided comfort from being far from their home countries. A viral dish was the Olympic Rings pasta with three different sauces that the athletes enjoyed throughout the competition.
- Winter Olympic Values Go Global
Winter Olympics brings international athletes together to not only compete but to cheer on one another, exercise sportsmanship, share traditions and bond over passion for their sport. Morals that can impact Olympic athletes and even school athletes!
Over the half term, the Winter Olympics brought sport to life whether you were trying out tricks on the slopes, skating on the rink, or cheering on from home, the Olympics always is a reminder of how sport connects us all.
