WINTER OLYMPICS
The Winter Olympic Games are held every four years under the International
Olympic Committee (IOC) and feature sports practiced on snow and ice. Before
the first official Winter Games, several winter sports were included in the
Summer Olympics, such as figure skating in 1908 and ice hockey in 1920. As
winter sports gained popularity in Nordic countries and beyond, the first
dedicated Winter Olympics were held in 1924 in Chamonix, France, where
Finland quickly established itself as a strong competitor, particularly in
cross-country skiing and ski jumping. The Winter Olympics were canceled in 1940
and 1944 due to World War II but resumed in 1948 in St. Moritz, Switzerland.
Over the
decades, Finland has won 175 Winter Olympic medals: 45 gold, 65 silver, and
65 bronze, ranking among the top medal-winning nations. Cross-country
skiing has been Finland’s greatest strength, producing legendary athletes like Veikko
Hakulinen and Eero Mäntyranta, while Mika Myllylä dominated
in the 1990s. Finnish women also left their mark, with Marja-Liisa
Kirvesniemi winning three gold medals in 1984 and Marjo Matikainen
claiming gold in 1988, helping define a golden era of Finnish skiing. In ski
jumping, Matti Nykänen became an icon with four Olympic golds in 1984
and 1988, while more recently, Iivo Niskanen continued Finland’s skiing
legacy with gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Games.
Ice hockey
has also become a key area of Finnish success. The men’s team (Leijonat)
earned seven Olympic medals, including its first gold in 2022,
alongside silver and bronze, reflecting decades of development and competitive
excellence.
The Winter
Olympics have not only showcased remarkable athletic achievements but also
sparked controversies and dramatic moments. Figure skating has faced judging
disputes, most famously at Salt Lake City in 2002 when judges were caught
favoring one pair over another, prompting reforms to the scoring system.
Political tensions have also influenced the Games, from Nazi Germany’s
propaganda in 1936 to various boycotts in the late twentieth century. Even
weather and eligibility issues have occasionally caused disputes, reminding
everyone that the Olympics are as unpredictable as they are inspiring.
Over the
years, new events such as snowboarding and freestyle skiing have been added,
while traditional sports like skiing, ski jumping, and ice hockey remain
central. Finland continues to excel in its traditional sports, while
countries like Norway, Canada, the Netherlands, and China have made their marks
in cross-country skiing, ice hockey, speed skating, and short-track events.
Even nations with little winter tradition, such as Jamaica, have captured
global attention with their bobsleigh team, inspiring fans worldwide.
At the
2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Finland is represented by 103 athletes
competing across nine sports. Finnish athletes are strong contenders in
cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and ice hockey, where NHL players are back
in Olympic competition for the first time since 2014. Fans around the world are
eagerly watching to see how new achievements will add to Finland’s proud
Olympic legacy.
From the
early days in Chamonix to the present, the Winter Olympics have grown into a
global celebration of sport, endurance, and human achievement. Finland’s long
history of success highlights the country’s deep connection to winter sports,
while remarkable athletes and memorable moments from other nations remind us
that the Games are a stage for both triumph and drama. Beyond medals, records,
and controversies, the Winter Olympics continue to promote international
cooperation, cultural exchange, and the Olympic values of excellence, respect,
and fair play.
WORDS TO BE EXPLAINED IN CLASS NEXT TIME:
1.
Endurance
2.
Dedicate
3.
Fair play
4.
Dispute
5.
Golden era
6.
Eligibility
7.
Legacy
8.
Spark
9.
Controversy
10.
Bobsleigh
11.
Contender
12.
Unpredictable
13.
Triumph
14.
Nation
15.
Values of excellence
16.
Scoring system
17.
Favor
18.
Various
19.
Deep
20.
Respect
