PNW Athletes Shine at Winter Olympics: A Milano Cortina Update
Byline: Alex Sterling
As the frosty air of Milano Cortina fills the stadiums, the spirit of the Winter Olympics is in full swing. For fans of the Pacific Northwest, this year's games are particularly electrifying, with a strong contingent of athletes from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho vying for glory on the global stage. KUOW's own Paige Browning, a self-proclaimed diehard sports fan, shares her insights on the games so far, highlighting the triumphs and challenges faced by our local heroes.
Early Highlights and Rising Stars
Even before the opening ceremony, several PNW athletes had captured Browning's attention. "I could name several here," she remarked, "but among the ones I was eager to see are cross-country skier Novie McCabe from Winthrop. She's here for her second games. And our trio of speed skaters from the Seattle area, Corinne Stoddard, Eunice Lee, and Cooper McLeod. And then Kim, of course, Team USA women's hockey, because that team is chock full of Seattle Torrent players."
Dominant Performances and Heartbreak
The Games have already delivered moments of sheer brilliance and nail-biting tension. Breezy Johnson, hailing from Victor, Idaho, and a former Western Washington University student, has emerged as a standout performer. Johnson "absolutely bombed down the women's downhill race, winning the gold." Her prowess continued in the women's team event, where she posted the fastest time, though her team ultimately did not medal. Browning noted that Johnson's success brought to mind the legacy of Lindsey Vonn, who experienced an unfortunate injury during a dramatic downhill crash.
Team USA Women's Hockey: A Force to Be Reckoned With
The U.S. Women's Hockey team, heavily featuring players from the Seattle Torrent, has been a dominant force. Led by veterans like Hilary Knight and Alex Carpenter, the team has been "crushing the competition." WithTorrent players Hannah Bilka and Cayla Barnes also contributing, Team USA has showcased an impressive offensive and defensive display. "As of this taping [on Friday], Team USA has scored 20 goals to their opponent's one in these Olympics so far. Even as we speak, they're adding to that number," Browning reported, underscoring their formidable performance.
Speed Skating and Nordic Skiing: Mixed Fortunes
While some PNW athletes have reached the podium, others have faced tougher challenges. "No medals in speed skating yet from our Northwest crew," Browning stated. "Corinne Stoddard had an unfortunate crash out in her 500-meter race." The treacherous nature of the sport was evident, with Browning observing "several crashes and skaters running into each other throughout these games." Similarly, Novie McCabe and other Nordic ski athletes are still seeking their breakthrough performances. "So, I'll be waiting for her to come back in 2030," Browning added with a hopeful note.
The Unseen Journey: Dedication and Family Support
Beyond the medals and podium finishes, the Olympics represent an extraordinary personal journey for each athlete. For Kirkland skater Cooper McLeod, the Games were a "family reunion," with twenty-eight family members travelling to support him. McLeod shared a profound perspective on the dedication required: "You need to be willing to suck. I think that's the same for a lot of things, but it's a very technical sport. It takes a lot of time, a lot of effort, and a lot of learning. Be willing to struggle, because that's what makes you better." This sentiment encapsulates the immense effort and resilience that define Olympic competitors.
What's Next on the Olympic Schedule
The excitement is far from over for PNW fans. The coming days promise more opportunities for our athletes to shine.
- Speed Skating: Cooper McLeod returns to the rink on Saturday morning.
- Speed Skating Relay: Federal Way's Corinne Stoddard gets another shot at a medal in the 3000-meter relay.
- Women's Hockey: The semifinals are scheduled for Monday, with Team USA expected to continue their strong run.
- Ski Mountaineering: UW graduate Anna Gibson will compete next Thursday in this exciting new Olympic discipline.
- Curling: The U.S. curling teams feature two sliders from Seattle, adding another dimension to the PNW's Olympic presence.
The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics continue to be a showcase of incredible athletic talent and unwavering determination. With a significant presence from the Pacific Northwest, these games offer a compelling narrative of grit, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. Stay tuned for more updates as our local athletes continue to make their mark on the world stage.