Heated rivalries and curling couples: 10 things to look out for at the Winter Olympics

February 5, 2026

TL;DR

Norwegian ski jumpers faced a scandal over padded suits, leading to rule changes and athlete bans.
NHL players will participate in the Olympics for the first time since 2014, with Russia banned from ice hockey.
A Canadian coach faced accusations of manipulating the women's skeleton qualification for a favored athlete.
Canadian Olympic merchandise includes a popular fleece from the gay romance show 'Heated Rivalry'.
Thirteen Russian and seven Belarusian athletes will compete as neutrals after background checks.
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo is highlighted as a potential record-breaker in endurance skiing.
Ski mountaineering is a new sport added to the roster.
Italian athletes Sofia Goggia and Arianna Fontana are expected to perform well, with Goggia competing despite injury.
Jutta Leerdam, partner of Jake Paul, is a high-profile athlete in speed skating.
Two married couples are competing in mixed doubles curling, highlighting the 'great love stories of the Games'.

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