As the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics reach their midpoint, the excitement continues to build. Athletes from around the globe have faced both triumph and adversity, showcasing the highs and lows of Olympic competition. With memorable performances, unexpected setbacks, and even some viral moments, it’s time to assess how well you’ve been following the action. Take our quiz to see just how in the know you are about this year’s Winter Games.
A Historic Opening Ceremony
This year’s Winter Olympics made history with its first-ever decentralised opening ceremony. Unlike traditional formats, the ceremony unfolded simultaneously across four different locations: Milan, Cortina, Predazzo, and Livigno. Notably, Canada’s flag-bearers, Mikaël Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson, were not present in Milan but instead marched in Livigno, the site of the snowboard and freestyle ski events. Kingsbury, competing in moguls, secured a silver medal on February 12, marking his fourth Olympic medal.
Controversies and Challenges
The broadcast of the opening ceremony by CBC sparked significant controversy, resulting in over 1,100 viewer complaints. The primary grievance centred around excessive advertising, with many viewers feeling that key performances were truncated or muted. CBC’s head of public affairs defended the network, stating that the average ad time was about 7.5 minutes per hour. However, the backlash reflects a growing impatience with commercial interruptions in live events.
Moreover, the women’s hockey tournament faced unexpected challenges when the Finnish team was hit by a norovirus outbreak, leading to the postponement of Canada’s round-robin match against them. The game was eventually rescheduled, with Canada securing a decisive 5-0 victory.
Canadian Athletes Shine
Valérie Maltais made headlines by winning Canada’s first medal of the Games in the women’s 3,000m speed skating event, clinching bronze. Italian Francesca Lollobrigida set a new Olympic record, taking gold with a time of 3:54.28, while Norway’s Ragne Wiklund took silver. This achievement was particularly poignant, as Canada had also secured a bronze in the same event in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, showcasing the strength of Canadian athletes in this discipline.
In an inspiring display of perseverance, figure skater Madeline Schizas, a student at McMaster University, went viral after requesting an extension for a class assignment due to her Olympic commitments. Her email request gained traction on social media, illustrating the unique challenges student-athletes face while competing at the highest level.
The Men’s Hockey Team Leadership
On the men’s side, Sidney Crosby was appointed captain of Canada’s hockey team, with Connor McDavid serving as one of the alternate captains. The other alternate is defenceman Cale Makar, who was among the first six players selected for the roster. This duo is poised to lead Canada in a tournament that has not seen NHL players since Sochi 2014, where only Crosby and Drew Doughty remain from that previous squad.
The Quirky and Unforgettable Moments
The Games have also provided their share of memorable moments, such as Spanish figure skater Tomàs Guarino Sabaté’s debut, where he captivated audiences with a routine set to music from the beloved *Minions* franchise. Despite initial copyright concerns that nearly halted his performance, the public outcry led to Universal Pictures allowing the skater to proceed, highlighting the intersection of sports and popular culture.
The Canadian mixed doubles curling team, however, fell short of playoff contention, finishing fifth with a final round-robin record of 4-5. After a promising start with three consecutive wins, they faced a tough five-game losing streak before concluding their tournament with a victory.
Why it Matters
The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics encapsulate the essence of competitive spirit, resilience, and the joy of sport. Beyond the medals and accolades, these Games serve as a reminder of the dedication and sacrifices made by athletes on the world stage. Each story, whether of triumph or adversity, enriches the Olympic narrative and inspires the next generation of athletes. As the competition intensifies, fans and newcomers alike can look forward to more remarkable feats and unforgettable moments in the days to come.
