Opinion | The Olympics Take Themselves Too Seriously. Bring Back Ski Ballet.

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by Bruce Handy

February 15, 2026

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The Winter Olympics are often seen as a grand spectacle filled with intense competitions and star athletes, but they also provide fleeting moments of attention for less mainstream sports like biathlon or curling. In Bruce Handy’s opinion piece, he humorously laments the lack of quirky, entertaining events like ski ballet, which was once part of the Games but never gained full medal status. Ski ballet, a blend of skiing tricks and showy dance moves set to music, was showcased in 1988 and 1992 before fading into obscurity. Handy argues that such experimental sports bring joy and innovation to the Olympics, even if they don’t align with traditional notions of athleticism. Handy highlights how ski ballet embodied a unique mix of athleticism and whimsy, often drawing comparisons to fantastical imagery like hippos in tutus from *Fantasia*. He contrasts this with more serious sports like figure skating or gymnastics, where the fusion of movement and performance feels forced. Ski ballet’s short-lived presence at the Games, along with other freestyle skiing events like aerials and moguls, shows how experimental sports can evolve into medal-worthy competitions over time. For example, snowboarding and techniques like the Fosbury Flop in track and field emerged from similar playful experimentation. The piece also reflects on the importance of taking risks and embracing creativity in sports. Handy suggests that what might seem silly or unconventional today could become tomorrow’s mainstream successes. He points to the evolution of Olympic events, such as snowboarding, which started as aCountercultural activity but eventually became a medal-winning discipline. This kind of innovation not only pushes the boundaries of athletic performance but also makes the Games more entertaining and accessible to wider audiences. Ultimately, Handy’s essay serves as a playful yet thoughtful reminder that the Olympics don’t have to take themselves too seriously. By revisiting forgotten or lesser-known sports like ski ballet, the Games could tap into a sense of fun and experimentation that appeals to both athletes and viewers. This approach not only spices up the event lineup but also aligns

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/15/2026