Are You Watching the Winter Olympics?
Every two years, our couch turns into the best seat in the house. We grab blankets and snacks and the whole family gathers to cheer on athletes from all over the world. We sit in awe at what the human body can accomplish, usually with our eyes widened and mouths open. We especially loved watching the 2024 Summer Olympics together, and they almost jumped off the couch cheering for Simone Biles and her incredible gymnastics routines. Her grace, power, and sheer joy were contagious in our house every time she got on the mat.
Now it’s winter’s turn! The Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics are in full swing, and the chill in the air makes watching snow sports from the warmth of home feel just right. Another big reason to tune in this year: Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie from Heated Rivalry had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch as part of the torch relay in Italy before the Opening Ceremony! They have ARRIVED, y’all.
We’re all on the couch as I write this watching the men’s singles in luge, and the kids are glued to the TV as they discuss how easy AND difficult this sport would be, lol.
To celebrate the kickoff of the Olympics, below are some fascinating facts about a handful of remarkable athletes and moments from these Games that we think you’ll love:
Sander Eitrem of Norway became the first person to complete the 5,000m speed skating under 6 minutes and went on to win gold with an Olympic-record time.
Ilia Malinin, an American figure skater nicknamed the “Quad God,” made history at these Games by landing the first legal Olympic backflip in decades.
Breezy Johnson claimed gold in women’s downhill skiing for Team USA, making her first Olympic medal especially sweet after earlier setbacks.
Hilary Knight is writing her own legend in women’s ice hockey. She tied the record for most Olympic goals by a U.S. woman and could soon stand alone at the top.
Laila Edwards, just 22, became the first Black woman to play Olympic ice hockey for Team USA, marking an inspiring milestone.
Francesca Lollobrigida won Italy’s first gold medal of these Games on her 35th birthday and set an Olympic record in speed skating.
Benjamin Karl brought the snowboarding world to its feet by winning gold in his final Olympics and becoming the first snowboarder with four Olympic medals.
Johannes Høsflot Klaebo keeps stacking legacy after legacy: he’s already a multi-time Olympic champion and could become one of the most decorated Winter Olympians of all time.
Chloe Kim, iconic American snowboarder, remains one to watch — she was the youngest woman to win Olympic gold in half-pipe and continues to be a force on the snow.
The 2026 Winter Olympics usher in the widest geographic spread of events ever, with competitions scattered across venues over an area larger than the state of New Jersey.
Whether it’s heart-stopping speed skating, breathtaking jumps, or tiny hockey miracles, we’re glued to the screen and cheering as a family. Here’s to shared moments, wild victories, and witnessing history one turn, slide, and flip at a time.