From Vertigo Victories to Van Gogh Skates: 10 Hidden Stories of the Winter Olympics
While the world watches medal ceremonies and record-breaking performances, the Winter Olympics are brimming with lesser-known narratives that capture the human spirit, innovation, and challenges behind the scenes. From a German ski jumper conquering vertigo to a French choreographer weaving art into athletics, here are ten remarkable stories you may have overlooked at the Milano Cortina Games.
1. Vertigo-Stricken Ski Jumper Soars to Gold
Germany's Philipp Raimund, a 25-year-old athlete who battles vertigo, stunned the field by winning gold in the men's normal hill individual event. Despite a condition where he feels "like I am just observing myself while something has a tight grip on me," Raimund delivered jumps of 135.6m and 138.5m, outperforming even world record-holder Domen Prevc. He expressed disbelief at his achievement, stating, "I don't know how I did it, but I'm so, so proud." Raimund now aims for a double victory in the upcoming long hill competition.
2. Coach Benoît Richaud's Rapid Costume Changes
Figure skating coach Benoît Richaud has become a rinkside chameleon, working with 16 skaters from 13 countries. During the men's short programme, he switched national team jackets within minutes to support multiple athletes in succession. His choreography, inspired by artists like Vincent van Gogh and Henri Matisse, focuses on storytelling and evoking emotion. Richaud coordinates his attire changes behind the scenes, ensuring he's in the correct team colours at the "kiss-and-cry" area, where Puffs tissues are conveniently provided for emotional moments.
3. The 'Michael Jackson of Curling' and His Moonwalk Technique
Mark Callan, the head ice technician from Glasgow, has gone viral for his moonwalk-like step while "pebbling" curling sheets. This technique, which he describes as a personal style akin to driving a car, helps maintain stability. Using purified Dolomite water, Callan and his team meticulously create frozen bumps that allow stones to curl, working up to 17-hour days to perfect the ice under precise temperature and humidity controls.
4. Korean Skiers Disqualified Over Banned Wax
Two Korean cross-country skiers, Han Dasom and Lee Eui-jin, were disqualified after their skis tested positive for fluorinated wax, a substance banned since 2019 due to environmental and health risks. The Korea Ski Association expressed perplexity, noting the athletes had no prior issues in international competitions. Neither skier posted times fast enough to qualify for the final, highlighting the strict enforcement of anti-doping and environmental regulations.
5. Rollerblading Paves the Way for Ice Success
Erin Jackson of the USA, who transitioned from inline skating to speed skating, finished sixth in the women's 1,000m and aims to defend her 500m title. Her story is echoed by others, such as Singapore's Faiz Basha, who trained on rollerblades during military service, and Spain's Daniel Milagros, a world inline skating champion turned Olympian. This trend underscores how off-ice skills can fuel winter sports achievements.
6. Pin Trading and Stoat Toy Frenzy in Milan
Beyond medals, a daily scramble unfolds in Milan as residents and visitors hunt for limited edition Olympic pins. YesMilano posts clues on Instagram each morning, directing enthusiasts to specific neighbourhoods where 250 pins are distributed. Official merchandise, including soft toys of the stoat mascot Tina, sells out quickly, with athletes receiving them on the podium. Even Italy's gold medalist Francesca Lollobrigida found her son more captivated by Tina than her award.
7. Mother-Son Duo Makes Olympic History
Sarah Schleper, 47, and her son Lasse Gaxiola, 18, became the first mother-son pair to compete at the same Winter Olympics. Schleper, in her seventh Games, raced in the super-G for Mexico, while Gaxiola debuted in the men's slalom. Schleper reflected on their journey, saying, "For him, everything's new. And for me, I know it," celebrating their shared presence as a triumph of generational dedication.
8. Brazilian Bobsleigher's Epic Perseverance
Edson Bindilatti, a 46-year-old from Brazil, embodies resilience in bobsleigh, a sport alien to his homeland. Inspired by the film Cool Runnings, he has competed in six Winter Olympics, overcoming financial struggles and personal losses. Bindilatti has piloted Brazil to its best finishes, including 20th in Beijing and 13th at world championships, with stories he says could fill "a big book, 500 pages or more."
9. Transgender Athlete Elis Lundholm's Historic Participation
Sweden's Elis Lundholm made history as the first openly transgender athlete at the Winter Olympics, competing in the women's moguls qualifiers. Born female and identifying as a man without medical treatment, Lundholm finished 25th. He advocates for fair competition, stating, "I want everyone to be able to compete fairly against each other," amid ongoing IOC discussions on transgender participation policies.
10. Climate Change Threatens the Future of Snow Sports
As athletes compete, concerns mount over climate change's impact on winter sports. Declining snowfall and rising temperatures prompt fears about the Olympics' future viability. Before the Games, athletes petitioned the IOC to end sponsorships with fossil fuel companies like Eni. American freeskier Alex Hall, who won silver, noted, "I've seen first-hand the effects," highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices to preserve these events.
