From Vertigo Victories to Van Gogh Visions: 10 Hidden Stories from the Winter Olympics
While the world watches medal ceremonies and record-breaking performances, the Winter Olympics are filled with lesser-known tales that capture the human spirit, innovation, and challenges behind the scenes. From personal struggles to artistic endeavors, here are ten stories you might have missed from the global sporting event.
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 ski jumping event. Despite a condition that causes his body to react uncontrollably, Raimund delivered jumps of 135.6m and 138.5m, outperforming competitors like Slovenia's Domen Prevc. "I don't know how I did it, but I'm so proud," he said, looking ahead to the long hill event for a potential double victory.
2. Choreographer's Rapid Costume Changes Rink-Side
French coach and choreographer Benoît Richaud, 38, has become a figure skating sensation by working with 16 skaters from 13 countries. During the men's short programme, he swapped national team jackets within minutes to support each athlete at the "kiss-and-cry" area. Richaud, who creates routines inspired by artists like Vincent van Gogh, views his role as storytelling, aiming to evoke emotions beyond mere choreography.
3. The 'Michael Jackson of Curling' Pebbles Ice with Style
Mark Callan, the head ice technician at Milano Cortina, has gone viral for his moonwalk-like step while "pebbling" curling sheets. The Glaswegian uses purified Dolomite water to create tiny frozen bumps, working up to 17-hour days to ensure perfect conditions. His unique style has earned him internet fame, but behind it lies meticulous craftsmanship in temperature and humidity control.
4. Banned Wax Disqualifies Korean Skiers
Two Korean cross-country skiers, Han Dasom and Lee Eui-jin, were disqualified after their skis tested positive for fluorinated wax, banned since 2019 due to environmental and health risks. The Korea Ski Association expressed perplexity, noting the athletes had no prior issues. Neither skier posted times fast enough to qualify for the final, highlighting the strict enforcement of anti-doping and environmental rules.
5. Rollerblading Paves Way for Speed Skating Success
Erin Jackson of the USA, who transitioned from inline skating to speed skating, finished sixth in the women's 1,000m final and aims to defend her 500m title. Her story inspires others, like Singapore's Faiz Basha, who mimicked skiing on rollerblades during military service, and Spain's Daniel Milagros, a world inline skating champion turned Olympic speed skater.
6. Pin and Stoat Toy Frenzy Grips Milan
In Milan, a daily race unfolds as residents and visitors scramble for limited edition Olympic pins, with 250 released each morning in specific neighborhoods. Official merchandise, including soft toys of the stoat mascot Tina, sells out quickly, with athletes receiving them on the podium. Even Italy's speed-skating star Francesca Lollobrigida found her son more interested in Tina than her gold medal.
7. Mother-Son Duo Makes Olympic History
Sarah Schleper, 47, became the oldest woman to compete in Olympic alpine skiing in her seventh Games, while her 18-year-old son Lasse Gaxiola debuted in the men's slalom. This marks the first mother-son duo at the same Winter Olympics, with Schleper noting, "For me, success is simply the fact that we are both here."
8. Brazilian Bobsleigher's Perseverance Story
Edson Bindilatti, 46, represents Brazil in bobsleigh, a sport far from his nation's tropical climate. A veteran of six Winter Olympics, he has overcome financial hardship and personal loss, inspired by the film Cool Runnings. Bindilatti's career, spanning over two decades, includes Brazil's best Olympic finish and a historic world championship result.
9. Transgender Athlete Makes Historic Debut
Sweden's Elis Lundholm became the first openly transgender athlete to compete at the Winter Olympics, participating in the women's moguls qualifiers. The 23-year-old, who identifies as a man but has not undergone gender-affirming treatment, finished 25th. His appearance comes as the IOC considers bans on transgender women in female categories for future Games.
10. Climate Change Threatens Future of Winter Sports
As athletes compete, climate change looms large, with declining snowfall and rising temperatures threatening the viability of future Winter Olympics. Several athletes have petitioned the IOC to end sponsorships with fossil fuel companies, like Italy's Eni. American skier Alex Hall, who won silver, highlighted event cancellations due to lack of snow, urging a move toward a sustainable future.
These stories underscore the diversity and resilience within the Olympic community, from personal triumphs to global challenges, reminding us that the Games are about more than just medals.
