February 6, 2026, marked the start of the 25th Winter Olympic Games. The Olympics are always a spectacle, as people of all ages, with inhuman athletic abilities, gather and compete. Countries from all over the world put forth their best athletes as they compete for the coveted Olympic gold, and Villanovans have been following along.
Most students have been following along more intensely with the performance of the United States. However, it is actually Norway that is emerging triumphant with 37 total medals. In fact, one of Norway’s cross-country skiers, Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, has set a record and become the most decorated Olympian in history with his ninth gold medal. That being said, the US follows closely behind with 27 medals.
Most recently, the US women’s figure skating team has put on a jaw-dropping performance.
“Alyssa Liu, now the Olympic gold medalist, performed so well and has such an inspiring story,” junior Audrey Dearlove said.
After retiring from skating at age 13 due to the stress the sport would put on her body both physically and mentally, Liu made a comeback with the focus on putting herself first in all areas. From training to music choice, her skating was going to be for her.
“Her comeback and her skating showed a real love of the sport and the power of doing something because you truly love it,” Dearlove said. “Amber Glenn, the oldest of the three ‘blade angels,’ has been super open about her struggles with mental health, and she cracked under the Olympic pressure in her short program but was able to rise from 12th to 5th in her free skate.”
The US women’s hockey team has won the gold medal and set an Olympic record with the most consecutive Olympic wins.
“Their final hockey game became the most-watched women’s hockey game ever,” sophomore Stella Bartle said. “It’s cool to see the sport gain more appreciation, especially given how incredibly talented the athletes are.”
Aside from the jaw-dropping athletic abilities, the Olympics have brought on a lot of emotional intensity.
“It feels like there’s been a lot of drama,” sophomore Megan Ronan shared. “From injuries to political discourse, this year’s winter Olympics has been about more than just athletic talent.”
If you’ve been online, it’s been hard to avoid the stories and videos of a determined Lindsey Vonn going down the mountain with a torn ACL, only for that to result in further injury. Unfortunately, there have been athletes on all fronts suffering from torn ligaments and broken bones. That being said, the impact of injuries goes beyond the physical. The commitment of athletes who are willing to take these risks speaks to their love of the game and their resilience, highlighting a level of mental toughness that extends far beyond physical stature.
“It’s amazing how committed all these athletes are,” Bartle said. “Especially when you put it into the perspective that so many of them are around our age.”
The Olympics are always set to excite and inspire, and the Winter Games come around as a welcome break from the monotony of college life in February. Students can engage and cheer for their favorite athletes from the comfort of their dorms, and as the Games come to an end, the memories last far beyond the last few weeks.
