News

Players skate to the winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina

Abby Lawler and Bina Swanson Blaker • February 24, 2026

Over 3,000 athletes from around the world are gearing up to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games across 16 different sports with 116 medal opportunities. Games start with the opening ceremony on Feb. 6 and will take place across Italy in both Milan and Cortina in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint that comes with building so many new facilities.

There are many sports to look forward to this year with something for everyone to enjoy.

“I like watching ice hockey, snowboard cross and the biathlon for the Winter Olympics,” said senior Cam Egge.

“Of course, figure skating, and sometimes speed skating, I watch halfpipe and big air snowboarding too,” said senior Ema Okusada.

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Ice hockey is going to be a sport to watch out for this year, with NHL players being allowed to compete for their countries for the first time in 12 years. The inclusion will bring in more fans to the sport, allowing people to catch a glimpse of their favorite players in a new environment.

“My favorite player is Sidney Crosby. He had the game-winning goal in the 2010 Winter Olympics in overtime, and since I’m a Penguins fan, he has been my favorite player for years,” said Egge.

The Olympics can also be a bonding experience for families and a way to unify a country over a common goal, separate from other aspects of their lives.

“I like to watch with my dad and sister,” said freshman Sophie Lund.

This is common among students, with many tuning into the excitement with their friends and families.

While the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Games hasn’t been without drama, things seem to have settled down, and people are waiting eagerly for the two weeks of action to begin.

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About the Contributors

Abby Lawler, Staff Reporter

Abby Lawler is a junior and it’s her first year on the LHS Newspaper. While not hard at work, she is either playing lacrosse, skiing or running in the woods. If you catch her skiing, she will be going down blacks with her dad or coaching kids how to ski. Although if she is playing lacrosse, it is most likely with Oregon Pride training to play in college. On the way to either of those, she is listening to pump up music or Taylor Swift. When Abby isn’t outdoors, she is playing with her dog, hanging out with family, or out and about LO with her friends blasting music.

Bina Swanson Blaker, Staff Reporter

Bina Swanson Blaker is a senior and a first year staff writer for the Newspacer at Lakeridge High School. She joined to be with her friends and have a chill class, but has learned that she enjoys the challenge of learning new styles of writing that has come with it. When she isn’t working on school stuff, you will probably find her reading or talking about books, dancing on the Pacer Dance Team, hanging out with her cat, Frances, and her family. She also loves doing her friend’s hair and makeup and cooking them meals to all eat and enjoy together.