‘An Olympic miracle’: twist in Conan Doyle’s skimo tale as Russian snares silver
Guardian Sport
by Sean Ingle in BormioFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Winter Olympics recently saw a historic debut of a new sport that owes its popularity in part to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The event, which took place during a fierce snowstorm in Bormio, Italy, was marked by controversy and chaos but ultimately delivered thrilling results. Nikita Filippov, competing as a neutral athlete, secured silver, while Switzerland’s Marianne Fatton claimed gold in the women’s sprint category. This unique sport, which combines elements of skiing and mountaineering, has its roots traced back to Conan Doyle’s 1894 account of his perilous 15-mile journey across the Maienfelder Furka Pass.
The sport’s debut was anything but ordinary, with challenging weather conditions adding to the excitement. The inclusion of such a niche discipline sparked debate among fans and experts, as it marked a bold step for the Olympics. Conan Doyle’s influence on its popularity is undeniable, as his writings from 1894 helped bring attention to the sport long before it became an official Olympic event.
The introduction of this new sport highlights the Olympics’ commitment to innovation and embracing diverse athletic disciplines. Despite the controversy surrounding its debut, the event captured the imagination of sports enthusiasts worldwide, blending history, literature, and winter sports into a captivating narrative. For readers interested in sports history and the intersection of literature with athletics, this development offers a unique glimpse into how storytelling can shape modern-day sporting traditions.
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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/19/2026