Fiona Greaney ‘29
Opinions Editor
Every four years, people from around the world tune in to watch the Summer Olympics. But its younger sibling, the Winter Olympics, receives less of the attention and praise. I personally love and look forward to the Winter Olympics every time it rolls around, and so should you.
Yes, the Winter Games are smaller than the Summer Games in multiple ways. Smaller event list, smaller group of participating countries, and a smaller audience. But are these things all bad? A smaller event list makes the games much easier to follow and less likely to be overwhelmed. A smaller group of countries focuses the competition on those who are the most experienced. And a smaller audience is in part due to a lack of media buildup, but it sometimes makes the games feel more intimate, especially when listening to the commentary.
I can see basketball or swimming at the Luth here on the Hill. But you know what I can’t see? People launch high in the air with insane air control to perform a double cork in half-pipe skiing. I’ve played volleyball and I’ve gone canoeing, but I have never been curling, and I don’t think I ever will. The rarity of these sports make them unforgettable.
The risk and intensity of these events makes them more exciting to watch. Lots of the events happen in freezing temperatures, and freestyle skiing is only beaten by BMX racing in terms of injury rates. The intensity and stakes make these events fun to watch because athletes are consistently pushing their limits with high speeds and split-second decisions. Knowing that one small mistake can change everything keeps viewers like me on edge and makes every run feel unpredictable and thrilling.
I urge everyone reading this article to go watch the biathlon competition. It’s an event that combines cross-country skiing and rifle-shooting. Athletes ski over long distances to reach targets. I would’ve never expected this to be a thing, let alone something I enjoy watching. Unique events like these are what make the Winter Olympics special.
I don’t mean to diminish the effort and success of the Summer Olympic Games. I just love the extra “wow” factor that the Winter Olympics bring. While the Summer Olympics deserve praise, the Winter Olympics offer a level of risk and uniqueness that makes for a great show.
Featured image courtesy of SportsPro
Copy Edited by Lauren Zerella ‘29
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