2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics are officially in the books after the final ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 22. They took place in Italy in Milan-Cortina, starting Feb. 6, and drew a total of 1.3 million visitors with millions of others watching on TV.
Junior Ellie Grewing says that the Olympics are inspiring to watch and she always looks forward to them.
“I love the Olympics because I get to see people live my dream,” Grewing said. “Growing up, these are the people you look up to, so it's amazing to see these athletes compete.”
Sophomore Emily Del Rio especially enjoyed them because of the Olympians’ inspiring stories, and the way the event unifies the world.
“I always look forward to the Olympics,” Del Rio said. “Especially the Summer Olympics because during that time it truly showcases how hard the athletes train to get [to the Olympics] and the wholesome atmosphere really brings people together. It definitely highlights national diversity, which is super cool.”
One of the biggest stories was the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams both taking gold. The men’s team won for the first time since 1980 when they celebrated the historic “Miracle on Ice.” The women’s team also delivered an upset for the ages, as they came back from a 2-1 deficit against Canada to win the gold medal. U.S. women’s figure skater Alyssa Liu skated her way to history after returning to the sport from a four-year retirement, and won the women’s single event. Liu said she retired as a way to pursue an education and a normal life, but that a return was necessary because she needed an escape from her regular life, and she needed a challenge to pursue.
“Witnessing Alyssa Liu’s insane comeback with the gold medal was one of my favorite parts of the Olympics,” Del Rio said. “And, it is definitely a proud moment to experience and see as an American.”
One of the most prominent athletes of the 2026 Olympics was Ilia Malinin who has set multiple records in men’s figure skating and was a huge favorite for the gold medal. In a stunning turn of events, he finished eighth overall due to a disastrous performance where he fell multiple times. But, in the Olympic figure skating exhibition gala, a “redemption” ceremony held for the world-class figure skaters, he performed multiple flips and his signature quad jumps to showcase his potential, and the future that he still beholds.
“I met new people and learned many life lessons,” Malinin wrote in an Instagram post after his disappointing loss. “1: One loss doesn’t change what you have already won. 2: You learn more from failure than success. I came in being one person and left with a changed mind. Nevertheless, I had my amazing moments and memories and did not leave empty-handed. Next step, Redemption. See you in Prague.”