Winter Olympics Preview

Elle Lehman, Senior Staff Writer

February 9, 2018

According to CNN and Data Company Gracenote, Germany is said to take home the most medals, followed by Norway and the United States (Photo Credits: Used With Permission / Wikimedia Commons )

The 2018 Winter Olympics began Feb. 9th 2018. This year, they are being hosted in Pyeongchang, South Korea. This is South Korea’s second time hosting the Olympics; Seoul hosted the Summer Olympics in 1988.

According to CNN, North Korea will send 22 athletes who will compete in three sports. The athletes from the North and South Korea will also march together under one flag at the opening ceremony for the Games. (Photo Credits: Used With Permission / Wikimedia Commons )

The Olympic games started on Thursday, Feb. 8 2018, and the opening ceremonies took place Friday, Feb. 9 2018. The closing ceremonies will take place Sunday, Feb. 25.

USA Today reported that several events have either been disrupted or postponed due to the howling winds roaring into South Korea from Siberia, with fierce gusts of up to 40 mph. (Photo Credits: Used With Permission / Wikimedia Commons)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abF6T-dxRzI

Erica Dierks (’18) said,“I am excited to watch the Olympics. My favorite events are the ice skating and the half pipe for the snowboarders. However, I do think it is quite interesting that North Korea is participating in the Olympics for the first time in a while.”

Men's #Snowboard Halfpipe qualification run. #Olympics #PyeongChang2018 pic.twitter.com/M84CKGXIFf

— Olympics (@Olympics) February 13, 2018

According to US Weekly, Shaun White took home a score of 93.25 in his first run and 98.50 in his second, which beat out gold medal contenders Scotty James of Australia and Ayumu Hirano of Japan. (Photo Credits: Used With Permission / Wikimedia Commons)

Arguably one of the best sports to watch during the Winter Olympics, figure skating is indeed adored by many Academy Girls.

Gabby Delp (’18) said, “I think it is just so amazing that are able to do what they do while out on the ice. To me it is absolutely memorizing.”

17 year old American snowboarder, Chloe Kim, lived up to all her goals and dreams in her first Olympic debut as she won Team USA’s third gold medal in snowboarding at the 2018 Olympics. (Photo Credits: Used With Permission / Wikimedia Commons )

The NHL has participated in every Winter Olympics since 1998 with a total of 706 players attending over the years. However, this year, the NHL Commitee announced they will not participate in the Olympics due to a variety of reasons and the main concern that an injury could affect their play in the regular hockey season.

Feraby Hoffman (’18) said, “I was shocked when I heard they could not compete because they have always sent players to the Olympics, but I also understand that their regular season is important and they do not need to be putting their players at risk.”