Highs, lows and halfpipes: the Guardian’s most memorable Winter Olympics moments

February 23, 2026

TL;DR

Matt Weston winning double gold in skeleton was a highlight for Lizzy Yarnold.
The GB skeleton relay team taking fourth place was a significant disappointment.
Alysa Liu is recognized as a star of the Games for her triumphant return to elite sport.
The Jamaican bobsleigh team and Japanese figure skaters Riku Miura and Ryūichi Kihara were crowd-pleasers.
Athletes like Kirsty Muir, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, and Macklin Celebrini are highlighted as ones to watch for France 2030.
Suggestions for new sports include dual events, relays, cross-country running, cyclo-cross, fell running, skimo-style events, women's Nordic combined, synchronised skating, Yukigassen, snow volleyball, and ice cross downhill.
Sean Ingle recalls moments like GB winning mixed team snowboard cross, Eileen Gu's halfpipe gold, skimo's debut, and even 'Penisgate'.
The sustainability efforts of the Games were criticized by Andy Bull as 'greenwashing'.
The IOC's handling of political expression was a disappointment for Yara El-Shaboury.
Elana Meyers Taylor's gold medal win at 41 and her communication with her deaf sons was a touching moment.
Franjo von Allmen is Switzerland's new golden boy in alpine skiing.
Richardson Viano, Haiti's alpine skier, celebrated with dance moves.
The opening ceremony had empty seats and awkward logistics, according to Tom Jenkins.

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