Winter Olympics 2026: The lasting impressions
Deutsche Welle
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina were marked by record-breaking performances, political controversies, and mixed reviews on organization. Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klaebo emerged as the standout athlete, winning six gold medals and tying the historical record set by Eric Heiden at the 1980 Games. His success, along with other Norwegian athletes like Jens Luraas Oftebro and Ilia Malinin, showcased Norway’s dominance in cross-country skiing and figure skating. Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Franjo van Allmen and Italy’s Federica Brignone also stood out in alpine skiing and speed skating, respectively, bringing joy to their home crowd.
However, the Games were not without their controversies. Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladislav Heraskevych was disqualified after insisting on wearing a helmet honoring fallen athletes from his country, sparking debates over political expression at international events. The IOC enforced strict rules against such displays, highlighting the delicate balance between sports and politics. Additionally, Lindsey Vonn’s high-profile crash during her attempted Olympic comeback added to the drama, as she sustained a serious injury in her final race.
The organization of the Games also drew criticism from athletes who felt the venues were too spread out, disrupting the traditional Olympic spirit. Many found it challenging to attend multiple events due to logistical issues, with some expressing disappointment over the spectator experience. Despite these challenges, Germany
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/22/2026