Winter Olympics 2026: ski cross, halfpipe and more on day 14 – live
Guardian Sport
by Yara El-Shaboury (now) and Tanya Aldred (earlier)February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Winter Olympics 2026 kicked off an exciting day 14 with thrilling events like ski cross and halfpipe. The competition saw world champion Finley Melville Ives struggle early in the halfpipe when he lost a ski mid-air, leaving him near the bottom of the leaderboard. Meanwhile, Gus Kenworthy, the US silver medalist turned Team GB athlete, made headlines for his bold activism. Known for his "fuck ICE" snow message protest, Kenworthy has faced death threats since speaking out against injustices in sports. His bravery and commitment to social causes have drawn both admiration and controversy.
The halfpipe event kicked off with Melville Ives, the defending champion, but his mistake mid-air highlighted the high stakes of the sport. Skiers like Kenworthy brought additional attention to the games through their activism. Kenworthy's transition from representing the US to joining Team GB has been a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his willingness to use sports as a platform for change. His protest during the 2014 Olympics, where he spelled out "fuck ICE" on snow, remains a defining moment in his advocacy against racial inequality.
The day's events also featured intense competition across multiple disciplines, with athletes pushing their limits in pursuit of medals. The medal table continued to evolve as results from various categories were finalized. For sports enthusiasts, the Olympics offer not only world-class athleticism but
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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/20/2026