Guardian Writers Reflect on Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics Highlights
The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics delivered a spectacle of athletic prowess, emotional drama, and unforgettable moments. Guardian writers have shared their personal highlights, disappointments, and predictions for future Games, capturing the essence of an event that blended joy with ambition.
Standout Performances and Emotional Highs
Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo emerged as the undisputed star, securing six gold medals and breaking records. His dominance was a recurring theme, with writers praising his historic sweep. For Great Britain, Matt Weston's double gold in skeleton was a standout, described as a masterful performance under pressure. Alysa Liu's figure skating comeback, culminating in a gold medal and a heartfelt embrace with bronze winner Ami Nakai, reminded audiences of sport's pure joy.
Elana Meyers Taylor's monobob gold at age 41 was another highlight, celebrated for its significance to Black athletes, mothers, and the deaf community. In curling, Canadian Marc Kennedy's fiery exchange with the Swedish team, including explicit language, became a viral crowd-pleaser, adding a layer of drama to the competition.
Disappointments and Controversies
Several near-misses left writers disheartened. Team GB's Kirsty Muir endured two fourth-place finishes in freeski, while the skeleton relay team of Freya Tarbit and Marcus Wyatt also fell just short of a medal. The IOC's struggle with political expression, particularly regarding Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych's banned "helmet of memory," was cited as a letdown. Additionally, the Games' sustainability claims faced criticism for environmental impacts like river drainage and deforestation, despite efforts with biodegradable items and electric vehicles.
Crowd Favorites and Memorable Moments
Events like snow cross and ski cross thrilled with head-to-head racing and photo finishes, though they often fade from public memory between Olympics. Jamaica's bobsleigh team, matching their 2022 record with three sleds, was praised for promoting global participation. Richardson Viano, Haiti's alpine skier, delighted crowds with celebratory dance moves, while Japan's figure skaters Miura Riku and Kihara Ryūichi wowed with a gold-winning free skate.
Ones to Watch for France 2030
Writers identified several athletes poised for future success. Kirsty Muir's near-misses in Milan-Cortina could fuel a medal run in France, while Johannes Klæbo may continue his cross-country reign. Young talents like Japan's Mao Shimada, Canada's Macklin Celebrini in ice hockey, and Albania's Lara Colturi in skiing were highlighted as emerging stars. The potential inclusion of new sports, such as women's nordic combined for gender equality or ice cross downhill for excitement, was also discussed.
Three-Word Summaries and Final Thoughts
The Games were encapsulated in phrases like "joyful, ambitious, impressive" and "exhilarating, newsy, fun," reflecting a mix of athletic excellence and quirky moments. From the scenic but scattered venues to the wacky incidents like "Penisgate," the Milan-Cortina Olympics left a lasting impression. As the world looks ahead to France 2030, the memories of gold medals, heartfelt embraces, and spirited competition will linger, setting the stage for another chapter in Winter Olympic history.
