Baby, it’s cold outside! But things are heating up in Vancouver, British Columbia, as the world’s best skaters, skiers, snowboarders, bobsledders, and hockey players converge on Canada to compete in the XXI Winter Olympics.
Tune in with the rest of the world from February 12-28 to see feats of athleticism, artistry, and sheer madness on snow and ice.
We’ve got recipes and fun ideas to go with the Games, whether you’re planning a world-class party or just chilling on the couch in your snowflake jammies.
Canada: The Host Country
This is Canada’s third time welcoming the Olympics, having previously hosted the 1976 Summer Games in Montreal, and the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary.
Did you know?
Canada has won the most Olympic gold medals (and the most medals overall) for ice hockey since the sport was introduced in 1920. O Canada!
Olympic Party Food
Your viewing party menu could reflect Vancouver’s Pacific Northwest traditions of salmon or wild game, rounded out with specialties from all across the Great White North.
For the Record
Challenge your pals to a trivia contest. (The following facts apply to the Olympic Winter Games prior to Vancouver.)
Q: What country has won the most medals in the Winter Olympics?
A: Norway has amassed 280 medals. What, you’re surprised?
Q: Which individual athlete has won the most medals overall?
A: Norwegian cross-country skier Bjorn Daehlie, with 12.
Q: Which American athlete has won the most medals?
A: Speed skater Bonnie Blair, with 6. Read it and weep, boys.
Q: Which athlete has won the most gold medals?
A: U.S. speed skater Eric Heiden, who crushed each of the five events he entered during the 1980 Games.
Q: Who was the youngest Winter Olympics gold medalist?
A: Short track speed skater Kim Yun-Mi of South Korea was only 13 when her relay team won gold in 1994 at Lillehammer.
Q: Who was the oldest Winter Olympics gold medalist?
A: American bobsledder Jay O’ Brien was 48 years old when he won the 1936 two-man event.
Q: Where and when were the first Winter Olympics held?
A: Chamonix, France, in 1924.
Q: What two sports make up the biathlon?
A: Cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.
Q: What’s the newest event added to this year’s Games?
A: Ski cross--a freestyle skiing event with the fast-paced hills, turns, and jumps of motocross and snowboard cross. At least you land on snow when you crash out.
Your Turn
- Do the Winter Olympics make you want to take up a sport or turn up the heat?
- Do you have a favorite event? Athlete? Country?
- Have you ever attended the Winter Games?
Let us know in the Comments area below. We would love to hear from you!