Greatest Winter Olympics Moments Revealed in New Study

Greatest Winter Olympics Moments Revealed in New Study

The most iconic Winter Olympics moments of all time have been unveiled in a comprehensive new study commissioned by Samsung UK & Ireland. The research, which surveyed fans and experts, highlights the unforgettable performances that have defined the Games over decades of competition.

British Triumphs Dominate Top Rankings

Topping the list is the legendary Boléro routine by British ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean at the 1984 Sarajevo Games. This performance captivated more than 24 million viewers in the United Kingdom, making it one of the most-watched television events in British history. The routine remains a symbol of artistic excellence and national pride.

Other notable British achievements include Eddie the Eagle's iconic ski jump at Calgary 1988, which captured hearts despite his underdog status. Amy Williams's dramatic gold medal in skeleton at Vancouver 2010 ended a 30-year wait for a solo gold for Team GB. Lizzy Yarnold's back-to-back skeleton titles at Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018 also ranked highly, showcasing sustained excellence.

Global Moments That Captivated Audiences

The study identified several international moments that resonated deeply with fans. The "Miracle on Ice" from Lake Placid 1980, where the United States ice hockey team defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union, was selected by nine percent of respondents. Shaun White's iconic snowboard halfpipe runs, particularly in Vancouver 2010, and Team GB's women's curling gold at Sochi 2014 also made the top ten.

Fans reported that these moments stood out not just for athletic achievement but for their emotional impact. Forty percent cited moving stories, while thirty-eight percent highlighted resilience as key factors. Twenty-one percent tune in specifically for the storytelling behind the Games.

Increased Interest in Upcoming Games

The research found growing enthusiasm for the Winter Olympics, with thirty-seven percent of respondents planning to watch more of the 2026 Milano Cortina Games compared to Beijing 2022. Motivations include supporting Team GB (thirty percent), feeling uplifted and inspired (twenty-five percent), and seeking personal motivation (sixteen percent).

Annika Bizon, mobile experience vice president for Samsung, commented on the findings. "There's a reason we're obsessed with underdog stories at the Winter Games," she said. "They remind us that every glorious moment is built on thousands of unglamorous ones. Our partnership with Milano Cortina 2026 celebrates openness and the idea that everyone's journey deserves recognition."

Emotional Impact and Personal Connections

The study revealed that three in ten past viewers have been emotionally moved by Winter Olympics moments. Seeing athletes achieve dreams (twenty-eight percent), underdog stories (twenty-seven percent), and overcoming setbacks (twenty-three percent) were key triggers. Eighty-one percent agree it's important to recognize small wins in everyday life, with sixty-one percent finding photos and videos of personal progress helpful.

Txema Mazet-Brown, a Team Samsung Galaxy athlete, emphasized the value of daily progress. "For me, it's the progress that happens every day that really matters," he said. "Those small wins build confidence over time and give you the belief to take the next step."

Top 20 Winter Olympics Moments

1. Torvill & Dean’s Boléro (Sarajevo 1984)
2. Eddie the Eagle’s ski jump (Calgary 1988)
3. The Jamaican bobsleigh team debut (Calgary 1988)
4. Team GB women’s curling gold (Sochi 2014)
5. Amy Williams winning Team GB’s first solo gold in 30 years (Vancouver 2010)
6. Lizzy Yarnold back-to-back gold skeleton titles (Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018)
7. “Miracle on Ice” ice hockey upset (USA beating Soviet Union in 1980)
8. Team GB men’s curling silver (Salt Lake City 2002)
9. Chloe Kim’s record-breaking halfpipe win (Beijing 2022)
10. Jenny Jones’ snowboard slopestyle bronze – GB’s first medal on snow (Sochi 2014)
11. Shaun White’s iconic snowboard halfpipe runs (Vancouver 2010)
12. Shaun White’s comeback gold in the halfpipe (PyeongChang 2018)
13. Ester Ledecká winning in both skiing and snowboarding (PyeongChang 2018)
14. Hermann “The Herminator” Maier’s crash and comeback triumphs (Nagano 1998)
15. Yuzuru Hanyu’s legendary figure skating performances (PyeongChang 2018)
16. Steven Bradbury’s last corner short track gold (Salt Lake City 2002)
17. Eric Heiden’s clean sweep of five speed skating golds (Lake Placid 1980)
18. Shelly Rudman’s breakthrough skeleton silver (Turin 2006)
19. Izzy Atkin’s freestyle skiing bronze (PyeongChang 2018)
20. Chemmy Alcott’s comeback performances (Sochi 2014)

The study, conducted by OnePoll.com, also found that twenty percent of respondents are most excited to watch figure skating, ski jumping, and bobsleigh in upcoming Games. Samsung gifted its Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition phone to 3,800 athletes as part of its Olympic partnership.