By: Abby Journay/Staff Writer
The Olympics are some of the most anticipated events in the entire world. Whether it’s hockey, cross country skiing, or figure skating, every country is captivated and unified by national spirit for its team. The 2026 Winter Olympics were no different. The two weeks that they were on, people all around the globe were glued to the TV in order to watch the insane performances of elite athletes.
“I think in a way I look up to all Olympians, it takes a lot of work and determination and dedication to be able to even try out for the Olympics,” Sophomore Tori Journay said.
And these elite athletes showed up to win, the United States took home 12 gold medals and a total of 33 podium awards in general.
“As a former athlete, I have a greater appreciation for the time and effort the Olympians have put in, from a very young age, to be the best at their sport. I know how much time I trained, so I know the time they put in must be so much more,” counselors’ office secretary Erika Vogel said.
Additionally, the Olympics had a total of 13 records broken, six of those being from the United States. Women’s and men’s bobsleigh, men’s luge, men’s speed skating and the men’s skeleton Olympic records are now held by American athletes.
Journay said, “I like watching the different competitors come together to compete with a lot of intensity, but also respect for one another.”
For those that want to become the best of the best in their sport, the Olympics has always been the first place they look. However, the Olympics is an inspiration to many people that aren’t even athletes. The peaceful atmosphere and the mutual respect between athletes can be refreshing in this world where everyone feels the need to be at another’s throat for any variety of issues. The space of people who are good at what they do and respect that others are also good at what they do is a comfortable space for everyone.
“I love learning about and watching all of the different sports I know nothing about, like curling, biathlon or skeleton. As a mom, my favorite thing is seeing the wonder on my daughter’s face as she watches the athletes do these amazing things,” Vogel said.
The Olympics are not only entertainment for adults but they are an inspiration to children. Most elite athletes on the Olympic stage started training in elementary school. Jordan Stolz, double gold medalist and Olympic record holder, said in an interview with NBC Olympics that he was inspired to start speed skating at the age of five because of the 2010 games.
Olympians now were once high schoolers with dreams. In the end they became the best of the best through perseverance and discipline. They carved their lives out of ice and snow with years and years of work. Dreams don’t just drop into your lap, but you can achieve anything when you work for it.
