The Olympics have now earned their second pandemic gold medal, against the advice of many protesting the games this year. The Winter Olympics have returned to Beijing for their first time with snowy games.
Chloe Kim wins back-to-back gold for snowboard half-pipe
Team USA’s Chloe Kim won the snowboard half-pipe on February 10 (Beijing time). She is making her the first woman to win back-to-back Olympics gold in the event. Her work in the half-pipe makes one A) proud to be American, and B) excited for whatever snow levels Nintendo feels like re-releasing for their Mario Kart 8 Booster Course Pass DLC.
Nathan Chen skates to a world record
Nathan Chen has made a record-setting return. The 22-year-old earned the highest score ever in the men’s short program. He received 113.97 points, surpassing two-time defending Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu’s previous record of 111.82 points.
BTS credited as South Korean pride and joy
The K-pop boy group BTS was mentioned at the Olympics Opening Ceremony when Team South Korea was introduced. They were also named as the country’s representatives in Tokyo’s 2021 Winter Olympics, but this year, South Korea was announced as “the country of the world’s most popular artist BTS.” Bong Joon Ho’s Best Picture winner Parasite and figure skater Kim Yuna also got shout-outs.
Kamila Valieva ushers in the quad era for women’s skating
Kamila Valieva became the first woman to land a quad at the Olympics right at the beginning of her free skate. Part of Russia’s “Quad Squad,” she is building on the work of skaters that came before her, including Surya Bonaly, who was the first woman to attempt a quad in competition at the 1990 European Championships.
Rainbow panda mascot!
The 2022 Winter Olympics mascot is a cute rainbow panda named Bing Dwen Dwen. This little guy is an adorable rainbow astronaut panda who should win every medal.
