Winter Olympics 2026: Lasting impressions
Deutsche Welle
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina saw Norway dominate with Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo emerging as the standout athlete, securing five gold medals and tying a historic record. Meanwhile, controversies such as Lindsey Vonn's devastating injury during her comeback attempt and the disqualification of Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladislav Heraskevych due to political statements dominated discussions. The event also highlighted discrepancies in performance across nations, with Germany failing to meet its medal targets despite fielding a record delegation.
Norway's success was spearheaded by Klaebo, who not only matched the achievements of 1980 US speed skater Eric Heiden but also became the most decorated Winter Olympian with 10 gold medals. Fellow Norwegian athletes like Jens Luraas Oftebro andFranjo van Allmen also shone, while Federica Brignone brought joy to the Italian hosts with her victories in alpine skiing events. However, not all narratives were positive; figure skating star Ilia Malinin’s fall from grace and Atle Lie McGrath's heartbreak in the slalom left a bitter taste for some.
The organization of the Games faced criticism as athletes pointed out the logistical challenges, such as long distances between venues, which hindered spectator experiences and the Olympic spirit. Germany, despite excelling in sports like luge and bobsleigh, struggled in others like biathlon and alpine skiing. These issues underscored broader concerns about venue planning for future Olympics, including the 2030 event in France.
The disqualification of Heraskevych over his helmet’s political message sparked debates on balancing sport with global conflicts, reflecting how the Games can become battlegrounds beyond athletics. Similarly, Vonn's injury and subsequent surgeries highlighted the risks and pressures athletes face, even at the pinnacle of their careers.
For the IOC, lessons from Milano Cortina include addressing venue logistics to enhance spectator experiences and athlete welfare. These changes will be crucial for maintaining the integrity and spirit of future Winter Olympics, ensuring they remain a celebration of global sport while navigating political and logistical challenges.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/20/2026