Regarded as not only the most anticipated but also the most esteemed international sporting competition in the world, the Olympic Games are truly a breathtaking event to witness. And it just so happens that one can watch the spectacle this February.
Re-establishing the Greek tradition that began in 776 BCE, the modern Olympics were founded in Athens, Greece, in 1896 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin. They consist of the Winter and Summer Olympics, each including numerous athletic disciplines. They occur on a staggered schedule, with both the Winter and Summer Olympics held every four years, two years apart from each other.
As you might have guessed, the Winter Olympics exclusively host winter athletic competitions. The long list of participating sports includes alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, luge, Nordic combined, short-track speed skating, ski jumping, snowboarding, and speed skating. And even better, debuting in the 2026 Games, ski mountaineering will be featured. Demanding a lot of strength, ski mountaineering combines hiking up mountains using specialized skis with detachable “skins” and then skiing back downhill.
One major element of Olympic excitement is the location, as it is routine that the host city and country change every Olympics. From February 6th to February 22nd, 2026, spectators and fans from around the world will travel far to see athletes compete in the beautiful and bustling country of Italy. This year marks a historic first for the Olympics: two cities will formally co-host the Games. Milan will feature ice sports, whereas Cortina d’Ampezzo will center on mountain events.
Rooted in long-standing tradition, the opening ceremony is renowned for attracting lots of media attention. The popularity stems from multiple entertainment and cultural celebrations: flag-raising ceremonies; the Parade of Nations, which honors each athlete's country; and the symbolic lighting of the Olympic cauldron, whose flame stays lit for the entirety of the tournament.
Being awarded an Olympic medal is often the pinnacle of an athlete’s career. This honor takes place at the medal ceremony, which, along with the closing ceremony, concludes the Games. Depending on the judging criteria specific to the sport, each country and individual can earn gold, silver, or bronze. These placements are based on the individual and communal rankings earned throughout the competitions.
There is no doubt that the Olympics will spark lots of conversation that will ring loudly throughout the StuFac this winter. It will be fascinating to see which countries and athletes will take home medals. Can Norway exceed the 16 gold medals they earned in 2022, making them a top record holder? Or will an underdog like Iceland or Greece move up in the rankings? I guess we will just have to wait and see.