# 2026 Winter Olympics - follow along and discussion thread **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** olympic-sports\ **Created:** [January 11, 2026, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575 "2026-01-11T22:27:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 10:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/41 "2026-02-07T10:25:58Z")
> [@DKW](#): > > They have plenty of time to get acquainted in the Olympic Village. That’s what _she_ said! Really though, Olympians use a _lot_ of condoms. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/42 "2026-02-07T10:48:00Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > Enjoy The Games, My Friend! I hear your Bobsled teams are strong as always. Thanks! Yeah, gold medals for both German men’s bob teams would be the safest bet for these Olympics. Now watching the men’s downhill. Very exciting! ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/43 "2026-02-07T12:15:29Z")
I’m always curious which sport the flagbearer competes in. I did not get all of them, and some countries had both a man and woman flagbearer, but these are the most often picked: Alpine Skiing 16 Cross Country 10\* Short Track Speed Skating: 7 \* Including Cross Country powerhouse Saudi Arabia 😉 Seriously, the smaller contingent countries seems to have a cross country skier – I’m guessing because that is relatively simple equipment. As I type this, NBC is actually showing XC skiing (Women’s 10k + 10k skiathlon - 10k classic, 10k freestyle [skate] skiing) Brian Interesting that Ireland sent more athletes than India. Andorra probably had the highest athletes / population ---
**Author:** ![Eric1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3bc359/32.png) [@Eric1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eric1)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/44 "2026-02-07T12:53:00Z")
In the opening ceremony, including the three Italian operatic composers’ costumes was areal kickback to the classes I took. I recall Verdi, Rossini, and was the third guy Puccini? I think it was. The athletes were all so cute coming thru their entranceways. They were amped and I couldn’t help but be excited for them. I’ve always liked the downhill skiing events so look forward to seeing them. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/45 "2026-02-07T13:19:13Z")
Canada’s Yukon Territory (pop ~40k) sent as many athletes (2) to the 2026 Olympics as did India (pop ~1.4 B) Brian ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/46 "2026-02-07T14:30:13Z")
First Olympic conspiracy theory from the right wing whack-a-doodles (in this case a right wing Catholic FB page): > Did Winter Olympics 2026 Depict a Burning Monstrance? > An Observation That Raised Questions > A dramatic Olympic segment caught the attention of many Catholics. A glowing, circular, sunburst-like structure—surrounded by fiery tones—strongly resembled a monstrance, giving the unsettling impression of something sacred being burned. > No official claim identified it as Eucharistic imagery. Still, symbols speak without labels. For Catholics, the Eucharist is the source and summit of the faith, so visuals that echo monstrance imagery—especially amid flames—naturally cause concern. > This isn’t an accusation, but a call for sensitivity. Sacred symbolism carries weight. When it appears altered or associated with destruction in global events, questions arise and feelings are stirred. > At the very least, the moment reminds us: symbols are never neutral. And for many, this image spoke painfully. To me, this is someone having a chip on his shoulder, knocking it off himself, and whining to mommy about it. Like one of the most Catholic nations on the planet would host the games and sneak anti-Catholic symbolism in there. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/47 "2026-02-07T14:40:43Z")
Some people really like to feel persecuted and see offense anywhere there isn’t. The same happened at the Paris opening ceremony in 2024 when some Catholics confused the depiction of a bacchanalia for a mocking of the last supper. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/48 "2026-02-07T16:34:50Z")
Added this year is Ski Mountaineering – where they ski (or climb) up a hill and then ski back down. > **[Ski mountaineering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ski_mountaineering)** > > Ski mountaineering (abbreviated to skimo) is a skiing discipline that involves climbing mountains either on skis or carrying them, depending on the steepness of the ascent, and then descending on skis. There are two major categories of equipment used: free-heel telemark skis and skis based on alpine skis, where the heel is free for ascents, but is fixed during descent. The discipline may be practiced recreationally or as a competitive sport. > Competitive ski mountaineering is typically a timed ra... Odds are low for much coverage (too lazy/cheap to get Peacock) Brian ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/958977/32.png) [@salinqmind1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind1)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/49 "2026-02-07T16:40:52Z")
This is the first year I can remember where I didn’t get a little choked up during the USA entrance in the parade of nations. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/50 "2026-02-07T16:52:43Z")
USA Women’s Hockey is pretty amazing. They are currently beating Finland 4-0. Shots on goal? USA: 29 Finland: 6 ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/51 "2026-02-07T17:00:20Z")
I enjoyed the men’s downhill. I can’t imagine going 80 mph down a mountain but damn those guys are gutsy. I prefer events that are pure time like speed skating and alpine skiing. When you get judges involved I’m a little skeptical. In ski jumping in particular, I can watch every jump and they all look exactly the same to me. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/52 "2026-02-07T17:03:55Z")
With ski jumping you do have an objective criteria — length. Not sure you can have poor form and still have a long jump. Brian ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/53 "2026-02-07T17:12:38Z")
As I understand it, length is a factor but form also enters into it. ---
**Author:** ![fachverwirrt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/94ad74/32.png) [@fachverwirrt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fachverwirrt)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/54 "2026-02-07T17:26:10Z")
You get a baseline 60 points for reaching a certain distance (the “K” line) with points added or subtracted for longer or shorter jumps, and then judged for form (flight stability, fluidity, landing), with another 60 points available (five judges judging out of 20, highest and lowest scores dropped). Then there are various adjustments made for wind conditions, starting gate position and various equipment penalties. It’s a complicated system. I just watch because it’s cool. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/55 "2026-02-07T21:46:12Z")
Is it too early to start bitchin’ about coverage? Same 3-4 events being shown over and over across the 2 channels so far today. ---
**Author:** ![Bumbershoot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbershoot/32/3428_2.png) [@Bumbershoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbershoot)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/56 "2026-02-07T22:06:40Z")
Pretty cool to see [Francesca Lollobrigida](https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/olympics/italian-speedskater-francesca-lollobrigida-wins-gold-home-35th-birthda-rcna257911) set an Olympic record and win the gold medal in women’s speed skating 3000m- in her home country, on her 35th birthday. ---
**Author:** ![gkster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gkster/32/14107_2.png) [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/57 "2026-02-07T23:08:36Z")
Thanks for sharing the Lollobrigida story. It’s nice to see a hometown hero win. And I missed Alysa Liu’s event so had to look it up. OK, I’m old, but I really hope that this hairstyle doesn’t become more popular! Described on Instagram: “Alysa Liu redefines figure skating fashion with ‘halo’ hair Liu’s distinctive bleached “halo” hair, featuring an annual stripe addition, is redefining typical figure skating fashion and style norms.” With her “atypical” look, this skater is redefining the codes of sports fashion [MSN](https://share.google/tdxmSN2VwGX0Zi579) ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/58 "2026-02-07T23:39:53Z")
> [@gkster](#): > > And I missed Alysa Liu’s event so had to look it up. OK, I’m old, but I really hope that this hairstyle doesn’t become more popular! Looks fine and original to this old fart! I first thought, without having seen a picture, that a halo hairstyle would be the hair mounted to a semicircle on top of the head, something like a crescent beehive, that actually would have been awful. ---
**Author:** ![Jegpeg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jegpeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jegpeg)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2026, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/59 "2026-02-08T01:03:25Z")
Form is a factor (style marks) as much as anything for safety. The jumper wants to remain in a position that generated lift as long as possible and then “stand up” so they can make the landing, if it was based on distance only to win the gold medal you would want ot faceplant the landing, even if you had to stay on your feet the requirement to get as close to falling as possible would not be safe. Until the 1970s jumpers were judged on keeping their skis parralel in flight, some competitors then discovered not only could they go further if they had their skis in a V shape but the extra distance would more than make up for the lost style points. When everyone started using the V shape the regulators decided to stop penalising it. ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2026, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/60 "2026-02-08T02:09:16Z")
[Which Winter Olympics events are you interested in and plan to follow/watch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/6553) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575.md?page=4)