10 Best, Worst, WTF Moments From the Winter Olympics
Rolling Stone
by Elisabeth Garber-PaulFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics delivered a mix of extraordinary athletic achievements and unexpected, high-drama moments that kept audiences on their toes. From record-breaking performances by Slovenian ski siblings to a biathlete’s emotional confession and a Ukrainian athlete disqualified over a helmet, the Games were anything but ordinary. These stories not only showcased the best of sportsmanship but also highlighted the human element of competition, making them culturally significant and widely discussed.
The standout moment was undoubtedly the Slovenian Prevc siblings—Domen and Nika—who made history as the first brother and sister to win medals in ski jumping at the same Olympics. Alongside their teammates, they secured a mixed team gold medal, cements their family’s legacy as the first to have four siblings earn Olympic medals across two different Games. Their success not only celebrated athletic excellence but also reinforced the power of familial bonds in sports.
One of the most talked-about moments was the Olympic Village’s condom shortage, which saw 2,800 athletes using nearly 10,000 condoms in just three days. While the International Olympic Committee scrambled to restock supplies, the situation became a viral sensation, sparking conversations about athlete needs and the challenges of managing logistics during major events.
In a surprising twist, Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid caused a stir after winning a bronze medal. During an interview, he publicly apologized for cheating on his ex-girlfriend, revealing how his actions had strained his personal life. His heartfelt—and somewhat desperate—appeal to regain her forgiveness added a layer of human drama rarely seen in sports.
The Games also saw controversy when a Ukrainian skeleton racer was disqualified after wearing a helmet adorned with images of 24 Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed in a plane crash. The incident became a symbolic moment, highlighting the intersection of sport and politics as well as the challenges of navigating cultural narratives during international events.
Overall, the 2026 Games were a masterclass in blending athleticism with unexpected stories that captivated audiences worldwide. From inspiring family legacies to cringeworthy apologies and political statements, these moments reflected how sports can mirror broader societal issues, making them deeply relevant to readers interested in culture and human interest.
Verticals
cultureentertainment
Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/22/2026