Chill Out with These Top 8 Winter Olympics Fun Facts You Never Knew!
1. Ski Ballet's Graceful Exit
Before ballet found its way into the world of skiing, there were no tutus, just ski suits and tricks: Ski ballet, an event where athletes gracefully performed choreographed routines on skis, was showcased at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and once more in 1992 in Albertville. Alas, the International Ski Federation put the curtain down on formal ski ballet competitions in 2000, making it unlikely for this elegant spectacle to twirl its way back onto the Winter Olympics stage.
Source => topendsports.com
2. Snowboarder Turned Pot-preneur
Talk about going from half-pipe to high life: Ross Rebagliati, the Canadian snowboarder who slid into the 1998 Winter Olympics and nailed the first gold in the men's giant slalom event, was temporarily dethroned after failing a drug test for cannabis. However, an appeals court came to his rescue and reunited him with his medal, transforming the gold medalist into a pot-preneur.
Source => en.wikipedia.org
Did you know the youngest Olympic swimming gold medalist, Kusuo Kitamura, switched from a Speedo to cement shoes and made a splash in multiple industries? Dive into his fascinating journey!
=> Fun Facts about The-Olympics
3. Tonya Harding's Triple Axel Triumph
Before triple axels were the talk of the town and knee-knocking shenanigans took center ice: Tonya Harding impressed the world by being the first American woman to glide, twirl, and make that elusive triple axel her own during the 1991 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Source => biography.com
4. Norway's Viking Medal Domination
When Vikings aren't out conquering nations or settling lands, they're apparently collecting Winter Olympic medals: Norway reigns supreme with an impressive collection of 368 medals, including 132 gleaming gold pieces.
Source => si.com
5. Sisterly Sacrifice in Biathlon
When sibling rivalry goes on a biathlon vacation, sisterly love takes the gold: Tracy Barnes selflessly gave her spot on the U.S Biathlon team to her twin sister Lanny at the 2014 Winter Olympics after Lanny fell ill during the selection races in Italy and narrowly missed qualification, securing fifth place for Tracy.
Source => npr.org
6. Skater to Surgeon: Debi Thomas
Breaking the ice with a triple lutz and a scalpel: Debi Thomas, the first African-American athlete to win a Winter Olympics medal, took home bronze in women's figure skating in 1988, later became an orthopedic surgeon, and was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2000.
Source => andscape.com
7. Marit Bjørgen: Snow White of Medals
Who needs a treasure chest when you have a medal chest like Marit Bjørgen? Our very own Norwegian Snow White has enough precious Winter Olympics metalware to put some pirates to shame: Marit Bjørgen holds the title as the most decorated Winter Olympian ever, boasting a collection of 15 medals - eight golds, four silvers, and three bronzes - and dominating the slopes since she overtook Bjørn Dæhlie's 12-medal record at the 2018 PyeongChang Games.
Source => nbcbayarea.com
8. Olympian Taco-fueled Training
From taco-tinis to carbo-loading conundrums: At the 2018 Winter Olympics, U.S. Ski and Snowboard athletes enjoyed individualized meals prepared by a full-time chef and registered dietitians, with alpine skiers consuming more protein and cross-country skiers getting extra carbohydrates for endurance. Even high-altitude training called for more calories and hydration, and surprisingly, taco days were a favorite fuel-up, featuring fish tacos complete with tilapia, rice, feta cheese, guacamole, and a mouth-watering homemade corn and black bean salsa.
Source => goodmorningamerica.com
