# 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:** 6
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/101 "2026-02-09T18:02:33Z")
> [@snowthx](#): > > I bet there are some very well-paid operators whose parents badgered them about all that time playing video games who are laughing all the way to the bank Hell yeah! Our drone team is all under 40 🙂 I love that there’s a generation of folks with this specific useful skillset. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/102 "2026-02-09T18:16:05Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > but at the beginning they are talking about how hard it is to walk in ski boots. Not all ski boots are the same. Skimo boots are designed to run in, skin up, and descend. There are boots that do each of those phases better, but not all of them well. These boots are designed to be the best all purpose tool for the job. I’ve got recreational ski mountaineering boots that are fine for hiking in when needed, but they are much heavier than skimo boots, and stiffer. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/103 "2026-02-09T18:21:52Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Not all ski boots are the same. Skimo boots are designed to run in, skin up, and descend. There are boots that do each of those phases better, but not all of them well. These boots are designed to be the best all purpose tool for the job. Good to know! I just went and looked at skimo boots and I see they do have “modes” that flip on and off, and treads. So that eases my mind - hopefully no blown out ankles during either part. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/104 "2026-02-09T18:59:22Z")
Lots of boots, including many normal alpine boots, have walk mode to ease getting around when you’re not locked into your bindings. Backcountry boots all have this mode since they’re designed for climbing and descending. Most backcountry boots also have rubber treads for walking, but having that compromises the release mechinisim in case of falls so alpine boots generally don’t do that. ---
**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 9, 2026, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/105 "2026-02-09T20:24:23Z")
I’m not sure I like the change of allowing lyrics for skating music – but I thought the Georgian team did ice dance to “Pretty Fly for a White Guy” well (even if I was thinking of the Weird Al lyrics) Brian ---
**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 9, 2026, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/106 "2026-02-09T20:59:23Z")
US Women’s hockey only up 2-0 in the second period. Switzerland must be pretty solid to keep us that low. Watching Dance Skating tonight delayed so we can skip the inbetweens. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/107 "2026-02-09T21:08:15Z")
USA beats Italy in the mixed doubles curling semifinal and will go for the gold against Sweden tomorrow! Some absolute nailbiters down the stretch. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/108 "2026-02-09T21:19:03Z")
Team GB didn’t make the finals? They were killing it during the round robin. I wonder if there will be a watch party at my club. Korey learned to play there; I saw his mom sitting with Snoop. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/109 "2026-02-09T21:28:15Z")
The medals for these games are having quality issues, falling off the ribbon rather than the tarnishing reported for the 2024 Summer Games. > **[Why do Olympic medals keep breaking? Investigation underway at Winter Games as...](https://www.yahoo.com/news/world/article/why-do-olympic-medals-keep-breaking-investigation-underway-at-winter-games-as-4-athletes-report-problems-with-their-prizes-184846465.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAA60kzUsyWmmonFqCYmzk3SodvW72jR_IgA7FS9bpBfehNLmEbamxwGMDMz9ny407cYitrJEV_84bksywfj9v73xOMWjRYKftKZDnnkoRE7D1LIEHlBrxqQd74Rt0eU-V-IMdAeIJfilwzqk29QCwyIQBs2_MghWe-aUaKnvWsGe)** > > "Don't jump in them," U.S. alpine skier Breezy Johnson advised her fellow competitors. > **[Olympics giving 'maximum attention' to broken medals problem](https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/47875313/olympics-giving-maximum-attention-broken-medals-problem)** > > Handle with care. That's the message from gold medalist Breezy Johnson at the Winter Olympics after she and other athletes found their medals broke within hours. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/110 "2026-02-09T21:42:37Z")
The medals must have been made by Fiat. ---
**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 9, 2026, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/111 "2026-02-09T21:48:01Z")
Old German saying/joke: What does Fiat stand for? Fehler in allen Teilen (faults in all parts). ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/112 "2026-02-09T22:29:46Z")
That’s sad. It would be nice for the medals to work as a souvenir. ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/113 "2026-02-09T22:47:22Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > Team GB didn’t make the finals? They were killing it during the round robin. They’re playing Italy for the bronze. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/114 "2026-02-09T22:59:25Z")
I know they made it to the medal round, but I’m very surprised to not see them in the gold medal game. They went 8-1 through the round robin. I looked up the result and Sweden scored a 5-ender against them. I may have to try to find replays of both semi-finals. Yes, there will be a watch party at my club, but sadly I’ll be working. ---
**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 10, 2026, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/115 "2026-02-10T01:12:28Z")
I watched that this afternoon. What a game! I’m going to ignore the Fiat comments
 ---
**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 10, 2026, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/116 "2026-02-10T02:38:50Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > > [@Telemark](#): > > > > You can appreciate it more if you’ve ever done those activities. > > No Way, Man! I don’t spend all that money on a pass to ski down the mountain. I pay to ride _up it!_ 😁 I saw a few people going uphill the last time I went skiing, and they get charged for going uphill! “Earn your turns at Belleayre Mountain by skinning up the mountain for a midday adventure. Uphill travel will be permitted during normal operational hours from 9am to 4pm, Monday through Friday during non-holiday periods. Uphill travel using skis or splitboards will only be permitted with a current $25 uphill day pass, an alpine area use ticket (lift ticket), or an alpine season pass. Route of travel will be on the uphill left along the designated routes.” ---
**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 10, 2026, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/117 "2026-02-10T02:54:44Z")
> [@fachverwirrt](#): > > > [@gkster](#): > > > > And it’s possible that the instability caused by her previous injury contributed to this accident. If she’d had stronger balance she might not have gotten caught in that gate. > > Many things are possible, but there’s no evidence whatsoever of this. > > Lindsay Vonn is a 41-year-old woman who can make her own decisions about her body and her actions. She is far from the first athlete to compete in the face of injury and she will be far from the last. The only difference is the level of media coverage. I talked to my physical therapist about this today, and he’d talked about it with two orthopedic surgeons. All 3 of them are skiers BTW. The takeaway: Nobody has the full story, but Vonn’s injury in January was an ACL tear, not a rupture, as I thought. A torn ACL means that there’s at least 25% ACL function, maybe even a higher percentage. If it had been an ACL rupture, which means 0% ACL function, it would have been crazy for her to compete. She completed 2 trial runs without any problems, which was why she was OKd to compete. As to the January injury making her prone to instability, they said absolutely. Added to that, she’s had other knee surgeries. It’s incredible that she’s been able to compete at the Olympic level for as long as she has. ---
**Author:** ![DKW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dkw/32/3118_2.png) [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/118 "2026-02-10T03:00:03Z")
Saw the women’s downhill today. I will be sparing the rest of my family the execrable USA coverage. They did a pretty good job giving kudos to Breezy Johnson (particularly since I heard precisely zippo about her right up to her run), but once Vonn hit the deck (my guess is that she got herself _too_ fired up and misjudged the distance to the gate), I could _feel_ the switch flip; it was as if they were at a funeral. “The show must go on” mean anything to these people? I mean, geez, this is a woman with a _long_ history of mishaps (“Super Dave”
cute. 😁), this really wasn’t that much of a shocker! The worst part is that Johnson’s time _held up_ and she won the completely improbable gold, which **used to** be the Megahyped Scream-To-The-Heavens Olympic Story, and they all but ignored it! Even in the repeat! (More on this later
 🙄) It’s [Anna Shcherbakova](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2022-winter-olympics-thread/958841/185) all over again, goddess preserve us. đŸ˜© I don’t want to miss out on any figure skating, and as always it’s one DVR recording a day for me, so I’m trying to catch some live footage in between. Problem right now is that USA seems really, really _really_ enamored with curling, and
uhh. How do I put this
golf is possibly the slowest-paced sport in the world, but when I watched a tournament on television (past tense, obviously, due to all that “GEDDDINDAAHOOOHHH!!!” garbage making the entire sport completely unbearable 😡), it would switch between numerous competitors, so there was always something happening. With curling, there’s just the one match and the two teams, so it’s slow-moving object, stop to strategize, slow, stop, slow, stop, over and over
it’s the sports equivalent of a traffic jam. This is not the sort of thing I can watch in real time. Hey, what are the rules on hitting in women’s hockey again? I saw one pretty good board shot that wasn’t penalized, but that’s it. They do seem to be trying to avoid big collisions. ---
**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 10, 2026, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/119 "2026-02-10T03:42:39Z")
> [@DKW](#): > > Hey, what are the rules on hitting in women’s hockey again? I saw one pretty good board shot that wasn’t penalized, but that’s it. They do seem to be trying to avoid big collisions. I don’t even know the rules for the upcoming men’s tournament. Fighting has really re-entered the NHL, but does the Olympics flat ban it? ---
**Author:** ![psychobunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/54ee81/32.png) [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575/120 "2026-02-10T13:06:52Z")
I have a nominee for best looking Olympic athlete male.It is of course one of the most important categories. The current leader is American Alex Hall who just got silver in the skiing slopestyle. Dude is legitimately a walking Disney Prince. He’s probably closest to Prince Eric from the Little Mermaid. Oh, and he skied pretty well too. > **[Google Image Result for...](https://www.google.com/share.google?q=mBhjiVjO2t4C9p79M)** > **[Google Image Result for...](https://www.google.com/share.google?q=zn3gJaOBU3eGlBxZZ)** The pictures don’t do him justice. Meanwhile I am enjoying the freestyle skiing. I really like moguls, or as I like call call it The Knee Destroyer. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-winter-olympics-follow-along-and-discussion-thread/1026575.md?page=7)