The excitement and danger of the Winter Olympics

The Olympic Rings displayed in front of the Dolomites. (bbc.co.uk)

Cam Tu Nguyen | Student Life Editor

February 27, 2026

Events like the Summer Olympics and the World Cup are some of the most exciting competitions in the world. Outside of these major events, the Winter Olympics is also one of the most thrilling international sporting events. The event occurs every four years, it brings together elite athletes from across the world to compete on snow and ice. Unlike the Summer Olympics, the Winter Olympics includes events such as figure skating, skiing, snowboarding, and curling. These sports require not only strength and precision, but also courage and bravery as many of these sports involve high speeds, heights, and dangerous conditions.

One of the most popular events in this incredible sporting competition is figure skating. Audiences are drawn to both the athletic and artistic aspects of the sport. Most of the audience is captivated by the music and the complex movements performed on the ice rink. Skaters execute difficult jumps, spins, and detailed footwork routines while expressing their emotion through choreography. For example, Alysa Liu, a gold medalist, has gained attention for her strong performances and confident style. The combination of talent, fashion, and music choice makes figure skating one of the most entertaining sports to watch.

A senior at San Clemente High School, Tanner Metzger, expressed how she likes “watching them ice skate, especially Alysa Liu. [She] likes her outfit, her shoes, and the song ‘Stateside’ by Zara Larsson.”

However, the Winter Olympics is not only about memorable outfits and performances, it is also about the risks taken. Many winter sports are considered more dangerous than summer events because athletes compete on slippery ice or steep and snowy mountains.

2026 Winter Olympians, Team Peterson.(nbcolympics.com)

A sophomore at San Clemente High School, Dylann Dubost, expressed how she “thinks [how] they’re cool and interesting, but it’s crazy how much more dangerous they are than the Summer Olympics.” That said, she “loved watching curling because it was really interesting.” 

Many viewers recognize the risks athletes take, especially in sports like alpine skiing, snowboarding, and bobsledding as  crashes can happen at any given moment. Curling, although less physically intense, requires a high level of focus. It demands strategy, communication, and teamwork. Players carefully slide heavy stones across the ice while teammates sweep to control the stone’s direction and speed. Although it may seem simple at first, it requires tremendous concentration and precision.

In conclusion, the Winter Olympics is a combination of artistry and athleticism. From figure skating routines to high speed downhill races, the games captivated audiences’ interests around the world. This sporting event not only showcases all the incredible talent but also highlights the dedication required to compete at the highest level.

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